Iranian leaders say giving Hamas military assistance
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 21 November 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iranian leaders say giving Hamas military assistance, 21 November 2012, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/50b4d0f230.html [accessed 21 May 2013] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
November 21, 2012
Rockets are seen in the night sky after they were launched from the northern Gaza Strip toward Israel on November 20.
Senior Iranian civilian and military leaders claim Tehran has given Hamas military assistance, including longer-range missiles.
General Mohammad Ali Jafari, head of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard, says his country has given fighters in Gaza the ability to produce longer-range missiles on their own, without direct shipments.
Meanwhile, parliament speaker Ali Larijani said Tehran was "proud to defend the people of Palestine and Hamas."
He said Iranian assistance had been financial and military.
Iran has never made a secret of its support for Israeli foes Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip, but generally does not acknowledge sending military aid.
Israel has accused Iran of supplying Hamas with its Fajr-5 missile, used to target Tel Aviv since an Israeli offensive on Gaza was launched a week ago.
Based on reporting by AFP and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
