Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip erected their own mourning tent during the Jan. 4 funeral march for assassinated Quds Force head Qasem Soleimani. Maps of the United States and Israel were placed on the floor at the entrance to the tent for visitors to step on as they entered. Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which viewed Soleimani as a leader who encouraged, supported and directed them in their struggle against the “Zionist enemy,” published mourning announcements emphasizing his central role in advancing the Palestinian resistance.

Israel warned Hamas and Islamic Jihad via Egypt not attack Israel and so far there have been no violent reactions to Soleimani's elimination.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, supported by Iran and viewed as Soleimani’s protege, delivered a speech at the funeral held in Beirut Jan. 5. Nasrallah said that Soleimani’s death marked the “beginning of a new phase in the entire region” and added that Israel did not dare to kill Soleimani on its own, so it turned to the United States.

It is reasonable to assume that Nasrallah actually believes this baseless argument, which also seems to have been adopted by Palestinian organizations. These groups often attribute unrealistic powers to Israel in influencing the United States. One thing is true: Nasrallah was correct that the region is entering a new stage. Should US-Iranian hostility escalate into a military conflict, Hamas’ satellite organizations will not be able to make do with announcements of support. The Palestinian resistance, for example, is indebted to Iran, which helped Hamas and Islamic Jihad become armed and well-trained organizations and changed the equation in their ability to threaten Israel.