The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas has called on Iran to refrain from targeting neighbouring states while affirming Tehran’s right to defend itself against Israel and the United States.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Hamas urged the international community to work towards ending the war that has gripped the Middle East since 28 February.
“While affirming the right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to this aggression by all available means in accordance with international norms and laws, the movement calls on the brothers in Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring countries,” Hamas said.
The appeal comes after Iran launched missile and drone strikes against several countries in response to the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, at the start of the conflict.
A Hamas official told AFP that the group had been in contact with Iranian authorities and had also reached out to regional governments, including Qatar, Turkey and Iraq, urging efforts to halt what it described as American and Israeli aggression against Iran.
Qatar said it intercepted two missiles on Saturday after explosions were heard in the capital, Doha, prompting authorities to evacuate parts of the area.
The appeal from Hamas is notable given Iran’s longstanding support for the group. Analysts estimate that Tehran has provided Hamas with tens of millions of dollars annually, alongside political and military backing.
Iran has long viewed support for Palestinian groups as a key part of its regional strategy against Israel and its allies.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah has also entered the conflict, launching hundreds of rockets at Israel following Khamenei’s killing. Israeli strikes in Lebanon have since killed nearly 800 people, according to the country’s health ministry.
Regional tensions have continued to escalate as the conflict widens, raising concerns about the potential for a broader Middle East war.