Haniya Condemns Targeting of Iranian Consulate in Damascus

The head of the political bureau of Hamas, Ismail Haniya, condemned the targeting of the Iranian consulate in Damascus and the killing of leaders in the Revolutionary Guard on Wednesday. He called for recalling "Imam Khomeini and what he provided for Jerusalem," according to his statement. In a speech broadcast on television to celebrate Jerusalem Day, Haniya stated that the movement is committed to its demands, which include a permanent ceasefire, a complete and total Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the return of all displaced persons to their homes, allowing all necessary aid into Gaza, rebuilding the sector, lifting the blockade, and reaching an agreement to exchange hostages and prisoners. Haniya's remarks came after the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, condemned the killing of Iranian leader Mohammad Reza Zahidi in the bombing of the consulate in Damascus, asserting that he played a significant role in the attack on October 7.