Saudi Arabia took Hamas by surprise with its unprecedented decision to designate a number of Islamist organizations — including the Muslim Brotherhood — as terrorist groups on March 7. The decision also affirmed that the Saudis would show no tolerance for any individual who belongs to, or is affiliated with, the named groups.
Even though the Saudi decision did not include Hamas by name, the latter regards the Muslim Brotherhood as its “parent movement” under Article 2 of its charter.