Hamas Lauds Iranian Missile Strikes in Retaliation for Leaders' Deaths
Hamas expresses support for Iranian missile attacks, citing vengeance for slain leaders and ongoing regional conflicts. The group frames the action as a response to perceived injustices in disputed areas.
In a statement released on 2024-10-02, Hamas expressed approval for missile strikes conducted by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Palestinian organization, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007, characterized the attacks as a retaliatory measure for the deaths of several prominent figures in the region.
The missile strikes were reportedly carried out in response to the deaths of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and Iranian Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan. Hamas, founded in 1987 during the First Intifada, praised the IRGC's actions, referring to them as a "heroic rocket launch."
The IRGC, established in 1979 following the Iranian Revolution, has been a key player in Iran's military operations and is designated as a terrorist organization by several countries. Iran's missile program, which has been in development since the 1980s, has been a source of international concern and diplomatic tensions.
Hamas' statement framed the strikes as a response to what it termed "the occupation's continuing crimes against the peoples of the region." This language reflects the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has persisted for decades. The use of the term "occupied territories" typically refers to areas captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War.
The relationship between Hamas and Iran has been complex but generally supportive. Iran has been accused of backing various militant groups in the Middle East, including Hamas and Hezbollah. Both organizations have received support from Iran, with Hezbollah, founded in 1985 during the Lebanese Civil War, maintaining a significant political and military presence in Lebanon.
"We congratulate the heroic rocket launch carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran, on large areas of our occupied territories, in response to the occupation's continuing crimes against the peoples of the region, and in retaliation for the blood of our nation's heroic martyrs."
This incident highlights the intricate web of alliances and conflicts in the region. Ismail Haniyeh, who became the leader of Hamas in 2017, and Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who has led Hezbollah since 1992, have been influential figures in their respective organizations. The IRGC, which reports directly to Iran's Supreme Leader, has been involved in unconventional warfare and military intelligence operations through its Quds Force.
The missile strikes and Hamas' subsequent praise underscore the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. As Iran continues to develop its missile capabilities and conduct tests and strikes, the international community remains concerned about the potential for escalation in regional conflicts.
