Syrian President Bashar Assad met Saturday in Damascus with Hamas' political bureau chief Khaled Mashal and several other senior group figures.
The official Syrian news agency reported that the two discussed the current situation in the Palestinian arena, and especially what was referred to as the "tragic situation" faced by Gaza Strip residents as result of the siege imposed on the area by Israel
According to the report, the two also discussed intra-Palestinian reconciliation efforts. The Syrian leader stressed that Damascus is interested in bringing about Palestinian reconciliation and that it would support any effort to that end.
Assad also stressed that national reconciliation is the only way for the Palestinians to regain their rights and face the challenges ahead.
According to the report, Mashaal expressed his great appreciation to Syria's president for the assistance granted to the Palestinian people.