After visiting some Arab and Islamic countries, Ismail Haniya, Chief of Hamas’ Political Bureau, arrived in Malaysia on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. He had already met with the Malaysian Minister of Defence in Doha.

What are the indications of such visit? How does it affect the Palestinian issue? What role will Malaysia play in the future?

Insight of the Situation 

The development of the Palestinian-Malaysian relations in general and Hamas-Malaysian relations in particular strongly supports the Palestinian cause.

Palestine was strongly present in the Islamic Summit in Kuala Lumpur as Hamas’ delegation attended. However, the Palestinian Authority did not have a representative there. In addition, Malaysia has always offered Palestine financial help and media support.

Now more than ever, the official Malaysian stance is in favor of Hamas. This can be observed through the following:

• Malaysia well received Hamas’ delegation in the Islamic Summit, Khalid Meshal in an earlier visit, and now Haniya.
• A Malaysian embassy was announced to be opened in Jordan. This embassy will look after the Palestinians’ affairs, and an honorary Consul will reside in the Gaza Strip.
• A delegation of Malaysian officials, including the Political Secretary of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited the Gaza Strip, and participated in the opening of Malaysia Gaza Hall, which is the headquarter of Cinta Gaza Malaysia in Gaza.

Considering Malaysia’s stances towards the Palestinian cause, the following can be deduced:

1. Despite the tightened blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip and the continuous attempts to isolate it, Hamas succeeded in building diplomatic relations that resulted in the good reception of its delegation in Gulf, Arab and Islamic countries.
2. Because of the steadfastness of Palestinians across Palestine, the Palestinian cause became a priority again after having been absent due to disputes among Arabs.
3. While Hamas Movement has advanced, Fatah and the Palestinian Authority retreated. This can be understood from the reception of Hamas in Malaysia and other countries, even though there is an embassy representing the PA in Malaysia. The reason behind this is the PA’s failed methods in dealing with the Israeli occupation. The Malaysian disapproval of the occupation’s policies and disrespect to any agreement is very clear.
4. Malaysia has continuously supported Palestinians in the fields of economy, media and politics. The factor, which will affect the status quo, is the political and diplomatic support Malaysia offers. It will influence the Palestinian reality through, for example, lifting the siege and reinforcing the Palestinians’ steadfastness in Al-Quds.
5. Malaysia exerts a lot of effort in reinforcing the Islamic alliance, led by Malaysia and Turkey. The Alliance is not formed to fight against anyone, as its leaders announced. It only seeks to defend the nation, eliminate injustice, and revive the Islamic Civilization.