Iran's Soleimani sends message of defiance in calls to Hamas

In the aftermath of the US president's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the head of the Quds Force called the leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad to affirm Iran's ongoing political and military support.
Iranian Revolutionary Guard Commander Qassem Soleimani (L) stands at the frontline during offensive operations against Islamic State militants in the town of Tal Ksaiba in Salahuddin province March 8, 2015. Picture taken March 8, 2015. REUTERS/Stringer (IRAQ - Tags: CIVIL UNREST CONFLICT POLITICS) - GM1EB3I1GDS01
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Qasem Soleimani (L) stands at the front line during offensive operations against Islamic State militants in the town of Tal Ksaiba, Iraq, March 8, 2015. - REUTERS/Stringer
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Ahmad Abu Amer
@ahmedmajd1
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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — US President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel on Dec. 6. In a matter of days, Iran voiced its rejection.

On Dec. 11, for the first time ever, Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, the head of Iran's Quds Force, called the leaders of the military wings of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad to offer military support. Some saw this move as an Iranian message of defiance to the United States and Israel in response to Trump's decision.

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