Report: Hamas, Iran coordinate response to Israel strike
Lebanese newspaper al-Mustaqbal reported Tuesday that the
purpose of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Mahmoud al-Zahar's recent visit to
Iran was to define Gaza's role in the case Israel attacks Iran's nuclear
facilities.
Hamas Prime Minister in Gaza Haniyeh visited Tehran last
February while al-Zahar arrived at the Iranian capital earlier this month.
According to the report, the parties discussed the introduction of missiles
into the Gaza Strip in preparation for a conflict with Israel, which would
enable Hamas to retaliate with rocket fire. Hamas has previously declared it
will not take part in a conflict between Israel and Iran.
According to the report, Iran pledged to increase
financial aid to Gaza and as a first step provided Hamas with $33 million
immediately after Haniyeh's visit. Sources told al- Mustaqbal that Iran is
working to sabotage Palestinian reconciliation efforts for fear of its effect
on the Gaza Strip. Fatah has made a similar claim.
It should be noted that the paper is associated with
former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, who holds anti-Iran views.
The sources also stated that Haniyeh and al-Zahar's
visits in Iran were held against the backdrop of Hamas power struggles between
Khaled Mashaal's camp and Haniyeh and al-Zahar loyalists. Mashaal maintains
close relations with the Gulf states while Haniyeh and al-Zahar focus efforts
on Iran and Syria.
Mashaal visited Turkey this month and called for
Palestinian unity. He said that the struggle against Israel will continue in
the political-diplomatic arena and did not mention armed resistance.
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