Hamas, a Sunni militant organization, has historically received support from Iran, a Shia-majority country, for several reasons:
1. Shared Opposition to Israel: Both Hamas and Iran share a common goal of opposing Israel. This mutual interest has led to a pragmatic alliance, despite the sectarian differences between Sunni and Shia Islam.
2. Regional Strategy: Iran has sought to expand its influence in the region by supporting groups that oppose Western and Israeli interests. Supporting Hamas fits into Iran's broader strategy of fostering alliances with various militant groups across the Middle East.
3. Limited Support from Sunni Arab States: Many Sunni Arab states, particularly those in the Gulf, have been wary of supporting Hamas due to its ties with Iran and concerns about the group's Islamist ideology. Additionally, some Sunni states have prioritized their relationships with Israel or have been focused on countering Iranian influence in the region.
4. Political Isolation of Hamas: After Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, it faced political isolation from many Arab states, particularly those aligned with the Palestinian Authority and its more moderate stance. This isolation pushed Hamas to seek support from Iran, which was willing to provide financial and military assistance.
5. Ideological Alignment: While there are significant ideological differences between Sunni and Shia groups, Hamas has been able to align itself with Iran on certain issues, particularly regarding resistance against perceived Western imperialism and support for Palestinian rights.
In summary, Hamas's approach to Iran for funding and support can be seen as a pragmatic decision based on shared goals and the geopolitical landscape, rather than purely sectarian considerations.
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