‘Limit attacks on neighboring countries,’ Hamas pleads with Iran

Iran’s attacks on Qatar and Turkey have complicated relations among Tehran’s allies.

By World Israel News Staff

Hamas called on Iran to avoid attacking countries other than the United States and Israel in a carefully worded statement released Saturday.

The terror group, which has long received extensive support from Iran, appeared to tread cautiously in its comments in order to avoid directly criticizing the Islamic Republic.

The statement came after Iran launched attacks on Qatar and Turkey, two countries that have also long maintained warm relations with Hamas and have hosted members of its leadership for years.

Hamas began its statement by condemning Israeli and American strikes on Iran before urging Tehran to focus its military response solely on those countries.

“While affirming the right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to this aggression by all available means in accordance with international norms and laws, the movement calls on the brothers in Iran to avoid targeting neighboring countries,” the statement read.

A Hamas official told AFP that the terror group had also been working behind the scenes to persuade regional governments to intervene diplomatically and push for an end to the war.

“Hamas’ leadership has also reached out to officials in several countries, including Qatar, Turkey, and Iraq, urging them to work toward halting the American and Zionist aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the official said, speaking anonymously.

According to Israeli officials quoted by the Hebrew-language outlet Ynet, Qatar essentially forced Hamas into issuing the statement.

Qatar — a major benefactor of Hamas that has provided the terror group with billions of dollars in support — reportedly warned Hamas leaders that continued silence regarding Iranian attacks on the Gulf state could carry serious consequences.

The report said Doha threatened to cut off financial assistance and expel senior Hamas figures living in the country if the terror group failed to publicly address the situation.

Meanwhile, Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported that contact between Hamas and the Iranian regime had been lost since the outbreak of the war.

It remains unclear whether the communication breakdown is due to Iranian officials who previously coordinated with Hamas being killed in Israeli strikes or if Tehran has imposed stricter communications protocols to protect surviving members of its leadership.