Hamas urges key ally Iran to halt attacks on Gulf states

What’s Happening

So get this: The Palestinian armed group also affirms Tehran’s right to defend itself from “aggression” by the US and Israel.

Hamas urges key ally Iran to halt attacks on Gulf states 22 minutes ago Save Jaroslav Lukiv Save AFP via Plumes of smoke rise over fuel tanks in Muharraq, Bahrain on 12 March The Palestinian armed group Hamas has called on Iran to stop its attacks on Gulf states, in a rare appeal to its key ally. In a statement, the Tehran-backed group urged its “brothers in Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring countries”, saying all regional nations should co-operate “to preserve the bonds of brotherhood”. (we’re not making this up)

At the same time, Hamas, which governs Gaza, affirmed Tehrans right to defend itself against attacks and Israel, who are continuing to strike Iran.

The Details

The Iranian authorities have dropped their own retaliatory strikes target “American installations” on Gulf soil rather than the neighbours themselves - but many attacks have hit civilian infrastructure. In its Saturdays statement, Hamas dropped it was “following with deep concern the ongoing war in the region”.

It dropped it called upon “all states and international organisations to work towards halting [the war] ASAP”. Iran has not publicly commented on Hamass statement.

Why This Matters

Tehrans retaliatory drone and missile strikes have been felt its Gulf neighbours over the past two weeks. At least 18 people have been killed across the region so far, most of them security personnel or foreign workers. Six people have been killed in the UAE and another six in Kuwait, while Oman, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have all reported two deaths in each of their countries.

This is part of the larger geopolitical picture unfolding right now.

Key Takeaways

• Iran is Hamass most important ally: its biggest backer for funds, weapons and political support.
• Hamas fought a devastating war against Israel in the Gaza Strip for more than two years.

The Bottom Line

The Palestinian group before condemned as a “heinous crime” the assassination of Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes on the first day of the war on 28 February. Hamas fought a devastating war against Israel in the Gaza Strip for more than two years.

Is this a W or an L? You decide.