Significant advances made in relationship between Hamas and Western states

The Head of International Relations for Hamas has claimed that there have been “important breakthroughs” in the relationship between the Islamic Resistance Movement and “a number of Western countries”. Osama Hamdan also told Quds Press that “there is a European understanding of Hamas positions” although it is too soon “to reach any conclusions” from this. Practical effects on the ground are needed, he added, not just talk.

“As a movement, we have a policy not to follow a path that leads to an upsurge of problems in the Arab world,” he said. “Hamas is a responsible body and takes into consideration the interests of the Islamic nation; this is the unquestionable true in the history of the movement. We believe that the popular uprisings strengthen the Islamic nation which in turn strengthens Hamas.”

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Mr Hamdan’s comments were made following an independent media statement that “high-level Palestinian sources” believe that “European countries which had established contact with Hamas had indicated their complete readiness to begin immediate dealings with the next Palestinian government without any conditions or restrictions.” The sources stressed that these are prominent countries with significant international influence.

When asked about rumours of a split between the Hamas leadership and Syria, Hamdan denied the existence of any disagreements. He called such rumours “lame attempts to damage relations with Damascus”.