Claims of No Hamas or PIJ Presence in Syria: A Palestinian Perspective

A Palestinian source asserts that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad do not have a military presence in Syria, countering Israeli claims. Israeli officials alleged such groups are creating a front against Israel, amid ongoing airstrikes targeting Syrian positions. The new Syrian government has purportedly shut down Palestinian faction offices, except for Fatah, and Israeli aims to exploit the situation in Syria are highlighted.

A Palestinian source based in Damascus has stated that neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Islamic Jihad maintains a military presence in Syria, contradicting recent indications by Israeli officials. This assertion was reported by the Qatari news outlet, The New Arab, amid increasing tensions and statements from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who alleged the existence of Hamas and PIJ operations geared towards opening another front against Israel.

In a meeting with European officials in Brussels, Minister Sa’ar referred to the new Syrian government under interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa as a “Jihadist Islamist terror group”. The Palestinian source dismissed these claims as fabrications, purportedly designed to justify Israel’s ongoing strategies regarding Syria following the anticipated collapse of the Assad regime.

Subsequently, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that airstrikes had been conducted against Syrian military positions, responding to perceived threats from the new Syrian leadership. He emphasized that Israel would not allow the region to deteriorate into a scenario similar to southern Lebanon, reaffirming the necessity of Israeli operations in southern Syria.

The Palestinian source reported that the Israeli government aims to leverage the challenging circumstances in Syria to dismantle the military infrastructure that exists there. It was further stated that the new government had closed offices of various Palestinian factions, retaining only Fatah amid claims that remaining organizations are predominantly charitable in nature.

Additionally, Mu’ayyad Qabalan, an advisor to President al-Sharaa’s administration, noted that Hamas’s presence is “not permitted” in Syria, underpinning the viewpoint that claims made by Israel are unfounded. He opined that a weakened Syria is preferable to Israel, indicating broader regional implications regarding stability and security.

In conclusion, the statements from a Damascus-based source challenge the assertions made by Israeli officials about the presence of Hamas and PIJ in Syria. As tensions rise, Israeli authorities continue to assert a military presence aimed at mitigating risks from adversarial entities. The situation remains fluid, with continued scrutiny on the evolving political landscape in Syria and its implications for regional security.

Original Source: www.jpost.com