Hamas congratulates Syrian people on Assad's ouster

Hamas congratulated the Syrian people on achieving their "aspirations for freedom and justice" following the toppling of President Bashar al-Assad, the Iran-backed Palestinian group said in a statement on Monday. The remarks marked Hamas’ first public response since rebel forces captured Damascus.

"We stand strongly with the great people of Syria... and respect the will, the independence, and the political choices of the people of Syria," the statement said, adding that Hamas hoped that post-Assad Syria would continue "its historical and pivotal role in supporting the Palestinian people."