In the labyrinth of hashtags and code names, a tweet mentioned an operation called #AlAqsaStorm, led by Palestinian freedom fighters. The tweet was enigmatic, offering no specific details about the operation. A deeper dive into statements from Iranian regime officials and commanders of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Armed Forces, however, sheds light on the scenario.
Unveiling Operation Al Aqsa Flood
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with other regime officials, expressed solidarity with Hamas, a member of Iran’s Islamic resistance axis, for its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Dubbed ‘Operation Al Aqsa Flood’, the assault was seen by Khamenei as a justified response to Israel’s ‘cruel crimes’ against Palestinians. Khamenei criticised Israel for failing to protect the sanctity of the Al Aqsa Mosque and inciting Jewish settlers against Palestinians, calling on Muslim countries to stand against Israeli aggression.
The Iranian regime rejoiced in the attack, predicting the imminent downfall of Israel and lauding the tactical surprise it posed to Israel’s military and political leadership. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi released a transcript of his conversations with Ismail Haniya, head of Hamas’s political bureau, and Ziyad Nakhalah, leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, lauding their strategic victory.
The Rhetoric of Resistance
Raisi framed the Hamas attack as a Muslim uprising against years of Israeli oppression. He urged Muslim nations to bolster Iran’s Islamic resistance, stating that the balance of power had shifted against the ‘Zionist regime’. According to Raisi, the Palestinian youth and movement were more prepared than ever to annihilate Israel, with the ‘sun of divine victory’ rising once again from Palestine.
In a phone conversation with Ismail Haniya, Raisi expressed a desire to pray at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem alongside other resistance leaders after the Palestinians’ ultimate victory over Israel. Haniya thanked Iran for its support, attributing the operation to the aggression of the ‘Zionist enemy’ against Al Aqsa and Muslim worshippers.
In a similar call with Ziyad Nakhalah, Raisi praised the Palestinian fighters and resistance forces for their victories and expressed confidence in the resistance’s continued success. Nakhalah reciprocated, thanking Iran for its support.
Visual Support from Iran
IRGC Commander Hossein Salami celebrated the Palestinian resistance for their surprise attack on Israel, proclaiming the birth of a ‘new Palestine’ based on might and greatness. He asserted that the ‘Zionist regime’ was weakening, and not even the West could save it.
Mohammad Bagheri, the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, praised the Palestinian resistance for their operations against the ‘Zionist regime’. He highlighted the strength and growth of the Palestinian fighters, expressing confidence in their ultimate success in liberating Al Aqsa Mosque.
As the Iranian regime expressed support for the Palestinian resistance, the streets of Iran echoed with similar sentiments. Footage and photos from various Iranian cities showed people celebrating, waving the flags of Palestine, Hezbollah, and other resistance groups, and burning Israeli flags. These images served as a visual testament to the Iranian population’s support for the attack and the Palestinian cause.
Source » msn