Hamas Responds to Allegations by Iranian Revolutionary Guard: Unveiling the Truth behind Al-Aqsa Tempest
Watan-The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, responded to the statements made by the spokesperson of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, who claimed that the Al-Aqsa Tempest operation was one of the responses to the assassination of Qasem Soleimani years ago.
It all began with statements from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, in which they stated that the Al-Aqsa Tempest operation was one of the responses to the assassination of Qasem Soleimani.
They added that Tehran’s response to the assassination of Riza Musawi, the advisor to the Revolutionary Guard and the coordinator of the military alliance between Syria and Iran, would include direct retaliation and actions from the side of the Resistance Front.
Hamas Denies the Revolutionary Guard’s Narrative
However, Hamas has denied these claims, stating in a released statement: ‘We have repeatedly affirmed the motives and reasons behind the Al-Aqsa Tempest operation, foremost among them the dangers threatening the Al-Aqsa Mosque.’
Hamas further added in its statement: ‘We also confirm that all actions of Palestinian resistance come in response to the occupation’s presence and its continuous aggression against our people and sanctities.’
Announcement of the Al-Aqsa Tempest Operation
It is worth noting that Hamas announced the launch of the Al-Aqsa Tempest operation on October 7th, with the statement delivered by the General Commander of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Mohammed al-Deif. He stated that the operation is a response to the crimes of the occupation against Palestinians and its repeated intrusions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
In that statement, al-Deif said, ‘We declare the beginning of the ‘Al-Aqsa Tempest’ operation, and we announce that the first strike targeting the enemy’s sites and fortifications exceeded 5,000 missiles and shells.’
He added, ‘The enemy desecrated the Al-Aqsa Mosque, dared to violate the Prophet Muhammad’s sanctuary, and attacked the steadfast defenders, despite our previous warnings.’
He continued, ‘The occupation committed hundreds of massacres against civilians, and today, the anger of Al-Aqsa, the anger of our nation, and the steadfastness of our fighters explode. This is your day to understand that the enemy’s time is over.’
The Assassination of Riza Musawi
The statements by the Revolutionary Guard about the Al-Aqsa Tempest came in response to the assassination of Riza Musawi, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the outskirts of the Syrian capital, Damascus, a few days ago.
Musawi was a companion of Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard. Soleimani was assassinated in a drone strike in Iraq in 2020.
