The statements from Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi suggest a stance of autonomy for Palestinian and regional resistance movements, asserting that they act independently and do not take directives from Tehran. This characterization was reported by RIA News, reflecting a position that emphasizes self-direction among Palestinian groups and their allies across the Middle East. In the broader context, dismissing external control signals a preference for local decision making even amid shifting regional dynamics. (attribution: RIA News)
Raisi’s remarks further describe the resistance in Palestine and its supporters as autonomous actors. He underscored that these groups, along with their regional backers, pursue their own policies and strategies rather than following orders from Iran’s government in Tehran. This framing appears aimed at reinforcing a narrative of independent agency within the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, a theme often discussed in expert analyses of Middle East geopolitics. (attribution: RIA News)
Prior to these comments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Iran provides the majority of Hamas’ military budget. The assertion, if accurate, would mark a significant link between Tehran and Hamas funding channels, a point frequently highlighted by Western intelligence assessments when evaluating the operational capacity of Hamas. The dynamic has been part of ongoing debates about the external influences shaping the conflict. (attribution: Reuters and various intelligence briefings)
On 7 October, Hamas launched a large-scale assault involving thousands of rockets directed at Israel and announced the initiation of the Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. The assault was accompanied by a ground incursion in multiple areas, with reports indicating that militants seized various military assets and took hostages. In response, Israeli leaders declared a state of war and pledged a robust military reply. (attribution: multiple news agencies)
In response to the crisis, the Israel Defense Forces initiated a campaign under a code name associated with rapid, concerted actions intended to degrade Hamas infrastructure and capabilities. The Israeli Air Force conducted widespread strikes targeting Hamas locations in the Gaza Strip, while Israeli authorities also moved to restrict critical supplies to the region, a measure that drew international concern over humanitarian consequences. The United Nations subsequently called for the evacuation of a substantial number of Palestinians to southern Gaza within a tight timeframe as a prelude to potential ground operations. (attribution: UN statements and security briefings)
Observers point to a range of underlying factors contributing to periodic escalations in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, including historical grievances, political leadership changes, and regional alignments. Analysts note that cycles of violence often reflect a mix of strategic calculations by both sides and external actors, with the broader international community seeking to influence de-escalation efforts while maintaining regional stability. (attribution: political scientists and policy analysts)