ISTANBUL (Dispatches) -- Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh has said the Palestinian resistance movement seeks to further deepen ties with Iran, but it is not interested in talks with the U.S. despite Washington’s request for negotiations.
Haniyeh made the comments during a press conference in this Turkish city, marking his first trip outside Gaza ever since he took over his current post in 2017.
He said no "communication channels” exist between the movement and the Trump administration despite numerous American attempts to contact Hamas.
Haniyeh also expressed gratitude to Iran, Turkey and Qatar for supporting besieged Palestinians in Gaza and Hamas.
The Hamas leader described relations with Tehran and Hezbollah as good, saying he wished to deepen ties with Iran.
Hamas is also seeking to renew warm ties with Syria, exploring new channels for negotiations between the two sides.
Hamas ruptured its ties with Damascus in 2012 after anti-government protests took place in the country.
Hamas is currently marking the 32nd anniversary of its establishment. The group is part of a larger regional formation of countries and movements known as the "axis of resistance”.
Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthi movement along with Syria, Iraq and Iran are the other members.