What is Iran's involvement in the offensive launched by Hamas on Saturday morning in Israel? According to revelations by the Wall Street Journal, the decision to launch Operation Al-Aqsa Flood was taken at a meeting in Beirut, Lebanon, early last week, attended by officers of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, as well as members of Hamas and Hezbollah.
The American newspaper relied on high-ranking sources within the latter two movements, based in Gaza and Lebanon respectively, and supported by Iran. In addition to the final green light, the details of the operation were also reportedly discussed in several other meetings, with the same groups. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is an Iranian paramilitary organization, established in 1979, which reports directly to the leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran.
Tehran denies involvement but reaffirms support
On Sunday evening, Iran's mission to the United Nations refuted the accusations, saying it was not involved in the attack. However, she reiterated her support for "Palestine" but insisted on her lack of participation, saying the decision had been taken "solely by Palestine itself".
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"Palestine's resolute actions are a fully legitimate defense against seven decades of oppressive occupation and heinous crimes committed by the illegitimate Zionist regime," the Iranian mission to the UN added. Iran has never hidden its support for Hamas, to which it provides weapons and financial aid.