Hamas’ Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh reiterated on Thursday that his organization will not be dragged into war against Israel if the Jewish State decides to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“Hamas is an organization which works in the Palestinian arena and operates in a way that is compatible with the interests of the Palestinians,” Haniyeh said in an interview, according to Israel’s Channel 10 News.
Haniyeh stressed that the Islamic Republic did not seek any support from Hamas should Israel decide to attack Iran.
“Iran did not ask for anything and we think it does not need us,” said Haniyeh, adding that an Israeli attack in Iran would lead to serious consequences in the Middle East. “I cannot predict what will happen, but such a battle would have implications on the region.”
Several months ago, senior Hamas official Salah Bardawil claimed the terror group will not do Iran’s bidding in any war with Israel.
“If there is a war between two powers, Hamas will not be part of such a war,” Bardawil said, adding, “Hamas is not part of military alliances in the region. Our strategy is to defend our rights.”
Iran, once a supporter of Hamas, has been at odds with the terror group over the uprising against Syrian President Bashar Assad. As a result of Hamas’ refusal to support Assad in the uprising, an angry Iran reportedly stopped supplying the terror group with weapons.
It is believed the weapons arsenal Iran sends to Gaza is intended solely for the Islamic Jihad and to organizations such as the Popular Resistance Committees.
Earlier on Thursday Channel 10 reported that the United States is worried that Shaul Mofaz and his Kadima party’s joining a unity government with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu could result in an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities at any given moment.
Israel – like the United States, its European allies, and Gulf Arab states – believe Iran is conducting nuclear work with military applications.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak recently warned that as long as Iran poses a threat to Israel with its nuclear program, all options are on the table.
