The criticism addressed to Hamas and Ismael Haniya, Chief of Hamas Political Bureau, increased after Hamas’ delegation had attended Qasem Soleimani’s funeral and Haniya had delivered a speech describing Soleimani as “the Martyr of Al-Quds”. This paper attempts to examine such move by Hamas and its effects.   

Haniya Leading Hamas’ Delegation

A high-profile delegation from Hamas led by its Chief of Political Bureau participated in the funeral. It is believed that Iran wanted them to. Tehran would not have been satisfied with anything less so the relationship between Hamas and Iran would return to normal; taking into account how Iran had already demanded Haniya’s visit to Tehran as a condition to improve their relation.

Therefore, Hamas could not decline the invitation and in turn lose the Iranian strategic support which was provided by Soleimani. Hamas had to take into consideration the increasing Israeli threats and the potential rise of confrontations with the Israeli occupation this year.

Haniya’s Statement

Haniya’s speech, especially the part where he described Soleimani as ‘the Martyr of Al-Quds’, provoked some Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims; and was exploited by Hamas’ opponents.

A witty leader such as Haniya could have delivered the speech without calling Soleimani a martyr and thus provoke the feelings of the peoples who have suffered from Iranian interventions.

The Visit and Speech Effects

On Palestine

Some Palestinians opposed Haniya’s speech, but this situation will not crack Hamas internally. The Movement will probably explain the details of the visit to its bases in order to ensure the achievement of mutual understanding among its members and leaders.

 On Arabs

A lot of cultured intellectuals understand the nature of the Palestinian situation and Hamas’ need for Iranian support. Therefore, the speech could lead to a minimum loss of popular support, especially from Syrians and Iraqis.

Still, the Syrian people, more than any other, is aware of Hamas’ earlier stances for the nation. The Syrian arena has been a strategic location for Hamas, but it sacrificed its interests to prevent any Syrian bloodshed and to prioritize principles over interests. After making this decision, Hamas became under a lot of pressure and lost a huge deal of Iranian support.

On Muslims

Hamas is highly-respected among Muslims. Although several Muslim peoples do not approve Iran’s attitude or ideology, they understand Hamas’ position and have high trust in the Movement’s ability to balance between its Sunni beliefs and interests with Iran. The fact that the Gaza Strip is entirely Sunni is a proof of that. 

Officially

It is expected that Egypt further constrains Gaza or Ismael Haniya, especially after having crossed one of the agreements made with the Egyptians that Iran must not be included in his tour.

As for Saudi Arabia and the Emirates, they will ask Egypt to tighten its procedures regarding  Hamas, and Egypt’s official media outlets will report against the Movement and the Gaza Strip.

Response to the Assassination

The assassination and Hamas’ participation in the funeral have reinforced its presence in the Iranian axis. However, Hamas always emphasizes that it does not stand with one entity against the other. Instead, Hamas is resisting the Israeli occupation.

As for responding to the assassination of Soleimani, Hamas will not be involved as it will not fire from Gaza, and will not participate should the response happen from different places. However, it might consider the possibility of an Israeli attack, so it would respond in self-defense.

Conclusion

It is well-known that Hamas is the leading movement of Jihad in Palestine, and has proven itself strong in different storms and incidents during which it was attempted to neutralize or contain the Movement. At such times, Sunnis’ financial aid was absent, and Hamas’ jihadis were prevented from receiving weaponry and military and security expertise. In fact, some Arab regimes opposed the Palestinian resistance and played a role in imposing the siege on the Gaza Strip.

Therefore, it was out of necessity that Hamas used Iran’s money and weapons so that it would continue to resist the Zionist project in Palestine.