Hamas raises eyebrows with condolences to Iran
Hamas offered its condolences to Iran after an attack on a military parade killed dozens of people, including members of the Revolutionary Guard, and some see the gesture as an attempt to cozy up to the Islamic Republic.
Bilateral relations between Hamas and Iran have been getting closer since the election of the movement’s current leadership in February 2017. Hamas has made repeated visits to Iran and numerous statements about how strong the relationship has grown.
Most recently, Hamas offered condolences to Iran following the Sept. 22 attack on a military parade in Ahwaz. Iran’s Fares news agency reported that the attack killed 29 people and wounded 70 others.
Hamas quickly issued a statement condemning the attack on Iranian armed forces, expressing its condolences to the Iranian leadership, the Iranian people and the victims’ families. The movement wished security and stability upon Iran and the other Arab and Muslim countries.
Hamas could be employing what can be called “diplomatic condolences” to strengthen its relationship with Tehran. It also offered condolences to Gen. Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force, following the death of his father in November 2017. In January 2017, Hamas sent a similar message after the death of former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.
