The jihadist organization Hamas has issued a statement celebrating the recent military successes of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Syria, marking a significant shift in the dynamics of the ongoing Syrian civil war. HTS, an offshoot of al-Qaeda that previously operated as the Nusra Front, has been engaged in combat against Bashar Assad’s Iran-supported regime for a decade. Their recent offensive, which began in early November, has led to substantial gains, including capturing Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, and quickly advancing toward Damascus. Following the collapse of the Assad regime, reports suggest that Assad fled to Moscow, indicating a drastic change in power within Syria that has implications for regional players including Hamas.
In a recent interview, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani expressed aspirations to establish an Islamist state in Syria, while assuring that the rights of minority groups would not be compromised. His comments come amidst a backdrop of the U.S. offering a $10 million bounty on al-Jolani for his involvement in terrorism. Meanwhile, Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, has seemingly aligned itself with HTS, viewing them as allies against Assad’s regime. Previously, Hamas navigated a complex relationship with both Sunni rebel factions and Iran, the latter being a principal supporter of Assad. Hamas’s statement emphasizes solidarity with the Syrian people’s quest for freedom, opting not to mention Assad or HTS directly, instead focusing on the aspirations of the Syrian populace and urging for unity among its segments.
Hamas’s re-entry into the conversation around Syrian politics is significant, especially given their prior hesitance to get involved in the civil war. This cautious approach was partly influenced by their strategic ties with Iran, which compelled Hamas to maintain distance from the Syrian conflict. However, as the situation evolved and the power dynamic shifted following the fall of Aleppo, Hamas has publicly expressed its reluctance to direct actively against Assad’s regime. Their spokesperson reiterated that the primary struggle for Hamas lies in the liberation of Palestine from what they term “Zionist occupation,” suggesting that their engagement would be limited to maintaining solidarity without directly intervening in Syrian affairs.
The implications of HTS’s advances have resonated beyond Hamas, provoking responses from other groups in the region, including Hezbollah. While Hezbollah had previously been a staunch ally of Assad, engaging in battles against both Israel and Sunni factions like HTS, the recent developments have prompted a reevaluation of their position. Their leaders have expressed alarm at the rapid change in the power structure, labeling it a significant transformation with potentially destabilizing consequences for the region. Statements from Hezbollah representatives underscore their commitment to supporting Assad, despite the fall of key territories, indicating a potential for conflict between Hezbollah and newly empowered jihadist forces.
The sentiment of celebration among Sunni jihadist factions extends beyond Hamas and HTS. The Taliban in Afghanistan expressed its approval of HTS’s military achievements and advocated for a comprehensive amnesty for Assad loyalists, indicating an emerging solidarity among extremist groups in their shared ideology. Their statement called for the establishment of a service-oriented Islamic government that prioritizes unity and security, positioning themselves as a potential model of governance for HTS. This illustrates a broader theme of Islamist factions rallying together in response to the vacuums of power created by civil conflict, emphasizing a collective vision that aims at profound transformations in governance structures across the region.
The evolving situation in Syria, exemplified by the downfall of Assad’s regime and the rise of HTS, may have lasting implications for the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. The reassertion of jihadist elements across the region, with Hamas and the Taliban both vocalizing their support for HTS, suggests an emerging axis among Sunni extremist groups that could redefine various power dynamics and alliances. The call for unity and a more inclusive approach to governance may resonate with certain segments within Syria, but it also raises concerns about potential reprisals against Assad’s supporters and the broader implications for stability in a country already ravaged by civil war. As these organizations navigate their new realities, the future governance of Syria remains uncertain, with international actors likely to respond strategically to the shifting landscape created by these developments.