The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and Saudi Arabia are seeking to mend relations.

A high-ranking delegation which includes the Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh are in the kingdom.

Relations have been strained since Hamas won the 2007 Palestinian legislative elections. It further deteriorated in 2019 when Riyadh carried out a crackdown on members of the resistance group, claiming that they were posing a threat to the kingdom’s rule.

But in recent months Hamas has indicated that it wants to improve relations. In turn, the kingdom has released many of Hamas detainees, including senior member Mohammad Al-Khudari.

The Hamas visit coincides with the Palestinian Authority’s leader Mahmoud Abbas. Abbas is expected to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.