Hamas Leader To Meet Iranian Officials Amid UN Ceasefire Resolution

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (left) and Hamas's political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Doha on December 19, 2023
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (left) and Hamas's political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Doha on December 19, 2023

Ismail Haniyeh, the political head of Hamas, is scheduled to visit Tehran on Tuesday to meet senior Iranian officials on the back of the United Nations Security Council's adoption of a resolution demanding a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian terror group.

Iran has long been a supporter of Hamas and has vocally praised its war efforts since it invaded Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 mostly civilians and taking more than 250 captive.The forthcoming visit marks Haniyeh's second trip to Iran since the outbreak of the conflict.

On the streets of Tehran just hours after the attack, sweets were distributed and celebrations were taking place to hail the attack.

Reacting to Monday's resolution, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani hailed it as a "positive step" as Israel's relentless retaliation has led to the razing of much of Gaza in a bid to eradicate the terror group and free the hostages.

The UN resolution made no mention of the hostages.