Supreme Leader Khamenei Meets Hamas Leader Haniyeh, Reinforces Iran's Unyielding Support for Palestinian Cause

 In a recent meeting in Tehran, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei met with Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Tehran-backed Palestinian group Hamas. Iranian state media reported that Haniyeh briefed Khamenei on the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the crimes of the Zionist regime in Gaza, as well as the developments in the West Bank. The meeting comes after a Hamas official confirmed that they had held a meeting in recent days. During the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei praised the steadfastness and resilience of the people of Gaza and expressed strong regret over the crimes committed by the Zionist regime, which he claimed were supported directly by Washington and some Western countries.

Iran's clerical establishment has consistently supported the Palestinian resistance forces against what they consider to be Zionist occupiers. It is important to note that Iran has denied any involvement in the recent surprise attack on Israel conducted by Hamas. The Islamic Republic maintains its support for Hamas but does not claim responsibility for their actions. The meeting between Khamenei and Haniyeh serves as a platform for discussing the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and reinforcing Iran's support for the Palestinian cause.

Israel has raised concerns about Iran's support for Hamas, particularly after the terrorist group's cross-border invasion in the western Negev, which resulted in numerous casualties. Israeli Defense Forces' Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari has accused Iran of assisting Hamas by providing funding, intelligence, weapons, and technological knowledge. Reports suggest that as many as 500 Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives received combat training in Iran leading up to the invasion. Hamas leaders have publicly acknowledged and thanked Iran for its support. Khaled Mashaal, the former head of Hamas, stated that Hezbollah and Iran provided weapons, expertise, and technology to the group.

The meeting between Haniyeh and Khamenei further solidifies the relationship between Hamas and Iran and highlights Iran's commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause. Despite ongoing tensions in the region, the meeting between Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Ismail Haniyeh serves as a reminder of the enduring alliance between Iran and Hamas. As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to evolve, Iran's support for Hamas remains a key factor shaping the dynamics of the region.