Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a conference in Tehran, Iran, September 25, 2024.
Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran | Reuters
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Saturday that the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar would not stop the “axis of resistance” and that Hamas would continue to exist.
“His death is undoubtedly painful for the axis of resistance, but this front does not stop advancing with the sacrifice of an outstanding figure,” Khamenei said in a statement. “Hamas is alive and well. will continue to live.”
Sinwar, the mastermind behind Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that triggered the Gaza war, was killed in a shootout with Israeli troops on Wednesday after a year-long hunt. His death was announced Thursday.
“He is a shining face of resistance and struggle. He fought against the enemies of oppression and aggression with iron determination. With wisdom and courage, he gave them October 7, an irreversible event that will be recorded in the history of the region. blow.
The “axis of resistance” established with years of support from Iran includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shia groups in Iraq and Syria. The groups describe themselves as resisting Israeli and U.S. influence in the Middle East.
“With God’s grace and help, we will, as always, stand with the sincere warriors and combatants,” Khamenei said.
