Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas on Saturday called on Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring countries while affirming Tehran’s right to defend itself against Israel and the United States.
In a statement, Hamas said:
“While affirming the right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to this aggression by all available means in accordance with international norms and laws, the movement calls on the brothers in Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring countries.”
The group, which fought a devastating two-year war with Israel in Gaza, also urged the international community to “work towards halting” the ongoing conflict immediately.
Hamas previously condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day of the war as a “heinous crime” and acknowledged his longstanding support for the Palestinian cause.
“He provided all forms of political, diplomatic and military support to our people, our cause, and our resistance,” the movement said shortly after Khamenei’s death.
