Damascus Source Denies Hamas and PIJ Presence in Syria, Calls Israeli Claims False
A source based in Damascus refuted claims that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad have a military presence in Syria, labeling them as fabrications by Israel. Israeli officials have made statements suggesting these groups pose threats, while asserting ongoing operations to prevent Iranian influence in the region. The situation remains tense, with implications for both local and regional stability.
A source in Damascus has stated that neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Islamic Jihad maintains a military presence in Syria. This assertion was reported by the Qatari-owned news outlet, The New Arab, contradicting the claims made by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Sa’ar had suggested that these groups were operating in Syria to establish an additional front against Israel during a meeting with European officials in Brussels.
The Damascus-based source further claimed that such allegations are fabrications by Israel, purportedly to justify its intentions regarding Syria amidst the instability following the Assad regime’s decline. Additionally, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the Israel Air Force had conducted strikes on Syrian government positions in response to their attempts to deploy forces near Israel’s demilitarized borders.
Katz assured that Israel will maintain its strategic presence in southern Syria to prevent Iranian influence and thwart potential terrorist threats. Referring to the newly established Syrian government, Katz stated, “We will not allow southern Syria to become southern Lebanon.”
The Palestinian source contended that Israel aims to exploit Syria’s precarious situation to undermine its military capabilities. They observed that the new government in Syria has dismantled offices associated with Palestinian factions, leaving only Fatah’s headquarters operational, while the remainder are designated for charity and relief activities.
Mu’ayyad Qabalan, a political researcher associated with President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration, echoed this sentiment by declaring that Hamas’s presence in Syria is “not permitted,” deeming Israeli assertions as unfounded. He remarked, “They believe that a weak Syria is better for Israel.”
In summary, a source from Damascus categorically denies the presence of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Syria, refuting Israeli claims. This narrative conflicts with statements made by Israeli officials who assert that these groups pose a threat to Israel’s security. Furthermore, the source emphasizes that Israel seeks to capitalize on Syria’s instability, aiming to eliminate military infrastructure belonging to Palestinian factions. The remarks by Syrian political analysts further underscore the tensions surrounding this issue.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
