Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh flashes the victory sign following a speech during his visit to the southern Lebanese city of Saida, June 26, 2022. (Mahmoud Zayyat/AFP via Getty Images)

Hamas Chief Sets Course for Tehran Amid UN Cease-fire Demands

Steven Ganot

03/26/2024

Ismail Haniyeh, a leader of Hamas, is scheduled to visit Tehran on Tuesday for discussions with Iranian officials, following a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and the immediate, unconditional release of all the hostages. This visit, reported by Iran’s Press TV, comes amid a nearly six-month conflict with Israel that the Hamas-led government in Gaza says has resulted in over 32,000 Palestinian deaths. Haniyeh’s trip marks his second to Iran since the conflict began on October 7.

Iran has been a supporter of Hamas throughout the confrontation. The recent UN resolution, which demands a halt to the hostilities, was met with approval by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani, who described it as a “positive step” but emphasized the need for effective action toward its implementation. Hamas has responded to the resolution by calling for a permanent cease-fire, rather than a temporary halt in fighting.

The United States, in a move that has caused friction with its ally Israel, chose to abstain from the vote on the UN resolution.

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