Hamas Condemns Somaliland President's Visit to Israel

Hamas has strongly condemned the visit of Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi to Israel, denouncing his intention to open an embassy in Jerusalem. The Palestinian Islamist group labeled the plan a "political sin" and a violation of international law, asserting it disregards unified Arab and Islamic stances on Jerusalem.

Hamas issued a statement calling on the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and other stakeholders to intervene. The group fears this move by the self-declared state could fracture unity in defending the Palestinian cause and the Arab nation.

President Abdillahi began his official visit on Sunday, meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. His agenda includes meetings with Foreign Minister Gideón Saar and a welcome ceremony at the Knesset, Israel's parliament, where he will meet Speaker Amir Ohana. Israel officially recognized Somaliland as an independent state in December, a move that drew widespread international criticism, particularly from African nations, the Islamic world, China, and the European Union.

The strategic rapprochement between Israel and Somaliland has sparked global condemnation. The African Union, Arab League, EU, China, and blocs led by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt have rejected the move, citing concerns for Somalia's territorial integrity and calling it a "dangerous precedent" and a "flagrant violation" of Somali sovereignty. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and, unlike the rest of the country, has maintained relative peace and established democratic institutions. However, it lacked international legitimacy until Israel's recognition.