BEIRUT
Iran played a role in hammering out a recent deal between Palestinian groups in Damascus' Yarmuk refugee camp in hopes of ending a months-long siege by Syrian regime forces, Hamas spokeman Ali Baraka said Tuesday.
According to Baraka, Iran played an active role in reaching the agreement, drafted on Sunday, between Palestinian factions inside the camp and representatives of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command.
The agreement calls for all armed groups within the camp to turn in their weapons to a special commiittee.
"The camp will be rendered neutral," Baraka told AA. "No one will be allowed to turn it into a party to the Syrian conflict."
As per the terms of the agreement, militants from the Al-Nusra Front group agreed to surrender their position inside the camp.
Some 100 camp residents have already died of starvation, according to statements issued by a coalition of 40 Syrian opposition groups.
Currently, around 18,000 people live in the Yarmouk refugee camp, which has remained under siege by Syrian regime forces and pro-regime militias since last September. Most of those seeking shelter there are Palestinian women and children.
In January, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees was able to enter the camp to distribute food supplies after having demanded access to the besieged camp for weeks.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
