Gaza city, 14 March: Hamas has called on its key ally Iran to refrain from striking neighbouring Gulf countries, issuing a rare public appeal as tensions escalate across the Middle East.
In a statement, the Palestinian group urged Iranian leaders to avoid targeting neighbouring states, while stressing the need for regional unity during the ongoing conflict. Hamas said countries across the region should work together “to preserve the bonds of brotherhood.”
At the same time, the movement reiterated its support for Tehran, saying the Islamic Republic has the right to respond to attacks by the United States and Israel under international norms.
The group added that it has been monitoring the expanding conflict “with deep concern” and urged governments and international organisations to act quickly to halt the fighting.
Iran has not publicly responded to Hamas’s remarks. Over the past two weeks, Tehran has launched missile and drone attacks that have affected several Gulf states, saying the strikes were aimed at American installations in the region.
The attacks have had deadly consequences across the Gulf. At least 18 people have been killed, including security personnel and foreign workers, according to regional reports. Fatalities have been reported in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, while smaller numbers of deaths were recorded in Oman, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Despite the appeal, Hamas reaffirmed its longstanding alliance with Iran, which is widely regarded as the group’s most important source of funding, weapons and political backing.
The movement previously condemned the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, during the opening stage of the conflict, describing the assassination as a “heinous crime.” Hamas said Khamenei had long supported the Palestinian cause by providing political, diplomatic and military assistance.
A Hamas official also accused Israel of attempting to fracture relations between Iran and Arab countries.
“The Israeli occupation seeks to sow discord between Iran and its Arab and Islamic neighbours,” the official said.
As the war continues to expand, Hamas has called on the international community to intervene and push for an immediate end to hostilities.
