Monday Hamas expressed its condolences on the occasion of the helicopter crash that killed President Ebrahim Raisi, calling him an “honorable supporter” of the Palestinian militant group backed by Tehran.
Since October 7, when the group attacked Israel and triggered a war in Gaza with it, Hamas has hailed Raisi for his support for the Palestinian struggle and tireless efforts to aid Palestinians.
Equally, according to Hamas, Raisi and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian who died in Sunday’s accident were commended for their “intense political and diplomatic efforts aimed at stopping Zionist (Israeli) aggression against our Palestinian people.”
While Iran financially and militarily backs Hamas, it has praised its October 7 attack on Israel as a “success,” but denied any involvement.
The first-ever direct attack on Israeli territory came from Tehran on April 13 when Iran fired over 300 missiles and drones towards Israel.
This was in retaliation to an airstrike which destroyed the Iranian consulate in Damascus killing seven Revolutionary Guards on April 1. Widely blamed on Israel this attack also prompted that one.
Hamas allies backed by Iran have contributed to an increase in violence across the region since Gaza fueled war began. Along its northern border with Lebanon supported by Tehran’s powerful Hezbollah movement, Israel has been involved in near-daily clashes.
