Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Saturday the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar will not halt the “Axis of Resistance” and that Hamas would live on.
“His loss is undoubtedly painful for the Axis of Resistance, but this front did not cease advancing with the martyrdom of prominent figures,” Khamenei said in a statement. “Hamas is alive and will remain alive.”
Sinwar’s Role
Sinwar, the architect of Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza, was killed on Wednesday in a gunfight with Israeli forces after a year-long manhunt, and his death was announced on Thursday.
“He was a shining face of resistance and struggle. With a steely resolve, he stood against the oppressive and aggressive enemy. With wisdom and courage, he dealt them the irreparable blow of October 7 that has been recorded in the history of this region. Then, with honor and pride, he ascended to the heavens of the martyrs,” said Khamenei.
‘Axis Of Resistance’
The “Axis of Resistance”, built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi’ite groups in Iraq and Syria. The groups describe themselves as the resistance to Israel and U.S. influence in the Middle East.
“As always, we will remain by the side of the sincere fighters and combatants, by God’s grace and help,” Khamenei said.
‘Chief Obstacle’
Despite Western hopes of a ceasefire, Sinwar’s death could dial up hostilities in the Middle East where the prospect of an even wider conflict has grown.
Israel has launched a ground campaign in Lebanon over the past month and is now planning a response to an Oct. 1 missile attack carried out by Iran, ally of Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
But the killing of Sinwar could also help push forward stalled efforts to end the war in which Israel has killed more than 42,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.
While the U.S. wants to kick-start talks on a proposal to achieve a ceasefire, Iran has indicated no such sign in its support. “The spirit of resistance will be strengthened” following the death of Sinwar, its mission to the United Nations said.
Hezbollah was also defiant, announcing “the transition to a new and escalating phase in the confrontation with Israel”.
(with inputs from Reuters)
