On Monday, Hamas expressed sorrow over the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, acknowledging his support for the Palestinian cause during the recent conflict with Israel. Raisi, a staunch conservative considered a possible successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, died in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border, according to officials and state media reports.
The charred wreckage of the helicopter which crashed on Sunday carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was found early on Monday after an overnight search in blizzard conditions.
“These leaders supported the legitimate struggle of our people against the Zionist entity, provided valued support to the Palestinian resistance, and made tireless efforts in solidarity and support in all forums and fields for our people in the steadfast Gaza Strip during the Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood,” referring to the current war with Israel which began on Oct 7.
“They also made significant political and diplomatic efforts to stop the Zionist aggression against our Palestinian people,” said Hamas in a statement.
Hamas leaders have repeatedly thanked Iran for its military and financial support to the group in their decades-long fight against Israel.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, known for his hardline stance and seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, died in a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border. This incident was reported by officials and state media on Monday. The helicopter, carrying Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and six others, crashed on Sunday, with search teams finding the wreckage early Monday after searching through the night in blizzard conditions. A senior Iranian official, who remained anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the information, confirmed to Reuters that all individuals on board, including Raisi and the foreign minister, perished in the crash. The news of Raisi’s death was officially announced on social media by Vice President Mohsen Mansouri and on state television, with First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber expected to succeed him as president.
With Inputs From Reuters
