JERUSALEM — Hamas officials say a senior member of the Palestinian militant group has left Syria because of the government's crackdown on an uprising there.
Hamas officials said Sunday that Imad al-Alami could not guarantee his safety in Damascus and was expected to enter Gaza later in the day.
Al-Alami, a member of Hamas' politburo, is the highest ranking official to leave the group's headquarters in Syria so far.
In the past year they have come under pressure to leave Damascus, because of Syria's deadly crackdown on the country's uprising.
The militant group rules Gaza but maintains its headquarters in Syria for security from Israeli attacks.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the situation's sensitivity.
DIAA HADID | February 5, 2012 05:30 AM EST | Associated Press