TEHRAN: Iran’s Supreme Chief Ayatollah Ali Khamenei mentioned on Saturday (Oct 19) the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar won’t halt the “axis of resistance” and that Hamas would reside on.
“His loss is undoubtedly painful for the axis of resistance, however this entrance didn’t stop advancing with the martyrdom of outstanding figures,” Khamenei mentioned in an announcement. “Hamas is alive and can stay alive.”
Sinwar, the architect of Hamas’ Oct 7, 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the conflict in Gaza, was killed on Wednesday in a gunfight with Israeli forces after a year-long manhunt, and his death was announced the subsequent day.
“He was a shining face of resistance and battle. With a steely resolve, he stood in opposition to the oppressive and aggressive enemy,” mentioned Khamenei.
“With knowledge and braveness, he dealt them the irreparable blow of Oct 7 that has been recorded within the historical past of this area. Then, with honour and satisfaction, he ascended to the heavens of the martyrs.”
The “axis of resistance”, constructed up with years of Iranian help, consists of Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi motion in Yemen, and numerous Shi’ite teams in Iraq and Syria.
The teams describe themselves because the resistance to Israel and US affect within the Center East.
“As at all times, we are going to stay by the aspect of the honest fighters and combatants, by God’s grace and assist,” Khamenei mentioned.
Iran doesn’t recognise Israel, its sworn enemy, and has made its help for the Palestinian trigger one of many pillars of its international coverage for the reason that 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Sinwar, lengthy a person within the shadows, took over as head of Hamas after the killing in July of its chief, Ismail Haniyeh, within the Iranian capital Tehran.
The killing has been extensively blamed on Israel, which has by no means claimed accountability.