The Iranian mission to the United Nations stated on Sunday that Tehran did not participate in the Operation Al-Aqsa conducted by the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, a part of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), against Israeli occupation.
In a statement, the UN mission explained that “the resolute actions taken by Palestine constitute a completely justifiable defense against seven decades of oppressive occupation and the heinous crimes committed by the illegitimate Zionist regime.”
The mission reiterated Iran’s unwavering support for Palestine, but clarified that it did not engage in the Palestinian response because “Palestine alone takes charge of that.”
It was pointed out that the success of Hamas’ operation was due to its element of surprise, which represents the “greatest failure” for Israeli security agencies.
The mission noted, “They (the Israelis) are attempting to justify their failure and attribute it to Iranian intelligence and operational planning,” adding that the Israelis “find it extremely difficult to accept reports from intelligence agencies about their defeat at the hands of a Palestinian group.”
On Saturday, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, along with other Palestinian factions in Gaza, launched Operation Al-Aqsa in response to continuous Israeli aggression and attacks by Israeli settlers against the Palestinian people, their properties, and their holy sites.
In response, the Israel Defense Forces announced the launch of “Operation Iron Swords,” stating, “Our aircraft have initiated airstrikes in several areas of the Strip against Hamas targets.”
On Sunday, the Gaza Ministry of Health reported the death of 436 Palestinians, including 78 children, with nearly 2,300 wounded.
The official Israeli government broadcasting authority reported the death of at least 700 Israelis, including 57 soldiers, and over 2,100 injured, with estimates suggesting the possibility of the death toll rising to a thousand.
