Iranian foreign minister welcomes deal, reaffirms his country's support for any understanding Hamas reaches
Hamas and Iran on Friday discussed the political and military developments in Gaza along with the cease-fire and prisoner exchange agreement with Israel.
The discussion took place during a phone call between Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who welcomed the agreement and reaffirmed his country's support for any understanding Hamas reaches.
According to a statement by Hamas, Araghchi praised the agreement, stating: "We congratulate you on this victory and the occupation's acceptance of the cease-fire which was achieved through the resilience of the Palestinian people and the fighters of Hamas."
He emphasized: “The occupation (forces) came to Gaza to destroy Hamas yet today it signs an agreement with Hamas that includes withdrawal and prisoner exchange which signifies the Palestinian people's victory over the occupation.”
Hayya, in turn, said the cease-fire was a result of the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and the bravery of the resistance with Iran's support being crucial to their efforts.
Qatar announced a three-phase cease-fire agreement on Wednesday to end over 15 months of deadly Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip with the cease-fire set to take effect on Sunday.
Nearly 46,800 Palestinians, mostly women and children were killed and more than 110,000 injured in Israel's genocidal war on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, according to local health authorities.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
