Hamas courtship of Russia could lead to win-win romance

Moussa Abu Marzouk, leader of Hamas delegation to Moscow

Adnan Abu Amer writes in Al Monitor, “Hamas’ relations with Russia have improved and grown in recent years, with movement leaders regularly visiting Moscow since 2015. A delegation headed by Hamas political bureau member Moussa Abu Marzouk most recently made the trek, meeting June 25 with Mikhail Bogdanov, Russian deputy foreign minister and special presidential envoy to the Middle East. Hamas noted on its website that Marzouk and Bogdanov explored bilateral relations and exchanged opinions on issues in the region, Palestinian developments and Hamas’ faltering attempt at reconciliation with Fatah.”

“Marzouk told Al-Monitor that they also covered issues pertaining to “alleviating the Gaza blockade, reducing the Palestinian Authority [PA] sanctions against the enclave and exploring potential Russian aid.” The so-called deal of the century, US President Donald Trump’s forthcoming Middle East peace plan, was also brought up. Regarding the US ‘deal of the century,’ Russians asserted that they were not consulted and that they are neither partners in it nor concerned about its success,” Marzouk said. “Moscow believes Washington isn’t qualified to solve the problems in the region. We believe Russia is more qualified, as it has balanced relations with all parties.”…

“Hamas leaders’ increasing visits and contacts with Russia are in search of ways around the isolation imposed on it by Israel, the United States and some Arab countries. Russia has close relations with Hamas allies Qatar, Turkey and Iran, which perhaps aligns with Moscow’s desire to foster its role in the region. With the United States cutting back its presence in Syria, Russia’s regional influence is expanding. It sees in Hamas a chance to fill the void resulting from deteriorating US relations with several parties in the region.” (more…)