NEW DELHI: The leaders of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, two prominent Palestinian groups engaged in conflict with Israel, have expressed their gratitude towards Iran for its support in the ongoing conflict over the Gaza Strip. During separate meetings with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, both Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas and Ziyad al-Nakhala of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad acknowledged Iran’s backing since the outbreak of violence on October 7, 2023, marking the deadliest escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Haniyeh criticized the United States for backing Israel, labeling the Gaza war a “world war” and accusing the US of being the “main accomplice of the Zionist crimes.” Al-Nakhala drew parallels between the current conflict and the 7th-century Battle of Karbala, highlighting the resilience and unity of the people and Resistance forces of Gaza against the plots by the US, Israel, and their allies, a Newsweek report said.
Khamenei praised the Palestinian movements for making Palestine the world’s primary concern and highlighted Iran’s role in uniting Sunni and Shiite factions within the “Axis of Resistance.” He emphasized the “divine occurrence” of Gaza’s resilience and the “failure” of Israel in the six-month war, asserting that the Resistance forces and the people of Gaza are prevailing, the Newsweek report said.
The US and Israel have accused Iran of supplying military and financial support to Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and other regional militias. The conflict has seen continuous ground battles in Gaza, with both sides conducting operations against each other. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has committed to continuing the offensive to achieve a decisive victory over Hamas, amidst growing international calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic efforts to end the violence.
Haniyeh criticized the United States for backing Israel, labeling the Gaza war a “world war” and accusing the US of being the “main accomplice of the Zionist crimes.” Al-Nakhala drew parallels between the current conflict and the 7th-century Battle of Karbala, highlighting the resilience and unity of the people and Resistance forces of Gaza against the plots by the US, Israel, and their allies, a Newsweek report said.
Khamenei praised the Palestinian movements for making Palestine the world’s primary concern and highlighted Iran’s role in uniting Sunni and Shiite factions within the “Axis of Resistance.” He emphasized the “divine occurrence” of Gaza’s resilience and the “failure” of Israel in the six-month war, asserting that the Resistance forces and the people of Gaza are prevailing, the Newsweek report said.
The US and Israel have accused Iran of supplying military and financial support to Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and other regional militias. The conflict has seen continuous ground battles in Gaza, with both sides conducting operations against each other. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has committed to continuing the offensive to achieve a decisive victory over Hamas, amidst growing international calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic efforts to end the violence.