'Hamas won't aid Iran if war breaks out'

Salah Bardawil says Hamas 'won't do Iran's bidding in any war'; adds group will not escalate situation with Israel simply at Tehran's request

Ynet |Published: 03.06.12 , 22:54

Hamas will not automatically side with Iran in case of a military conflict with Israel, the Guardian reported Tuesday.

Senior Politburo member in Gaza Strip Salah Bardawil said that Hamas "will not do Iran's bidding in any war with Israel, and will not launch rockets at Israel at Tehran's request."

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"If there is a war between two powers, Hamas will not be part of such a war," Bardawil was quoted as saying. Hamas is not part of military alliances in the region. Our strategy is to defend our rights."

Analysts said that this somewhat surprising stance illustrates the rift between Hamas and Iran – its key financial patron; as well as Gaza-rulers' realignment with Egypt's new ruling party, the Muslim Brotherhood.

A second, anonymous Hamas source, told the British newspaper that the group "will not get involved in any war between Iran and Israel."

Defense analysts speculate that in the event of a war between Jerusalem and Tehran, the latter will task its proxies in the region – Hamas and Hezbollah – with firing rockets at Israel.

However, Bardawil insisted that "Hamas has never given complete loyalty to Tehran."

Bardawil also spoke about the situation in Syria. Hamas has diminished its presence in Damascus over the escalating violence in the country, with Hamas Politburo Chief Khaled Mashaal relocating to Qatart.

According to Bardawil, Hamas' office in Damascus "is still open and functioning, but it is empty. We still haven't found another country to move our office to."

Politburo members are now scattered between Jordan, Qatar and Egypt.