Mon Dec 09 22:10:45 UTC 2024: ## Palestinian Factions Hope for Continued Syrian Support After Assad’s Ouster

**DAMASCUS** – Following the dramatic fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, Palestinian factions have expressed a mix of support for the Syrian people and hope for continued backing of the Palestinian cause. While various factions have supported different sides of the 13-year Syrian conflict, a common thread emerges: a desire for the new Syrian authorities to maintain their historical support for Palestinian freedom and independence.

The State of Palestine, led by the Palestinian Authority (PA), issued a statement Sunday expressing respect for the Syrian people’s choices, emphasizing the need for unity, sovereignty, and stability in Syria. The PA stressed the importance of prioritizing the Syrian people’s interests while continuing support for the Palestinian “just cause.”

Hamas, in a Monday statement, congratulated the Syrian people on achieving their “aspirations for freedom and justice,” urging national unity and condemning Israeli aggression. Despite past disagreements stemming from its support of the Syrian uprising, Hamas expressed hope that Syria would continue its historical role in supporting the Palestinian people.

Islamic Jihad (PIJ), allied with Hamas and Iran, also focused on the importance of continued Syrian support for the Palestinian cause. PIJ leader Ziad al-Nakhala stated his hope that Syria would remain a steadfast supporter of the Palestinian struggle.

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), while previously supporting the Syrian government, initially refrained from commenting on Assad’s fall, instead focusing its statement on condemning ongoing Israeli attacks on Syria. The group highlighted the potential for Israel to exploit the internal changes in Syria to further its own agendas.

A coalition of Palestinian factions in Damascus expressed hope for a unified, sovereign Syria committed to freedom, justice, and democracy, while also emphasizing their desire for continued Syrian support for the Palestinian people.

The diverse statements reflect the complex history between Palestinian factions and Syria, but the overarching message remains clear: Palestinian groups hope the new Syrian leadership will continue the country’s longstanding support for the Palestinian struggle for freedom and justice.

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