The number two leader in Hamas has confirmed that he and other leaders of the movement have pulled out of Syria because of the regime's brutal crackdown on opponents.
Moussa Abu Marzouk also told The Associated Press on Sunday that a unity deal between Hamas and its rival, Fatah, headed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, faces steep obstacles despite recent optimistic assessments by both sides.
Hamas officials have played down reports that the movement has basically left Syria, its longtime base in exile. However, Abu Marzouk confirmed that "practically we are no longer in Syria," even if Hamas still maintains offices there.
Abu Marzouk now lives in Cairo. He says the movement's top leader, Khaled Mashaal, and his aides have moved to Doha, Qatar.
