Tehran
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a televised message Wednesday, commending the Palestinian people and resistance factions on what he described as their victory against Israel following weeks of intense conflict in Gaza and across occupied territories.
Khamenei made his initial public remarks since the latest ceasefire came into force and lauded Palestinian groups for what he called their heroic resistance, while framing this outcome as a failure for Israel’s military and political establishment.
Khamenei announced in a national broadcast address: “The Zionist regime has once more experienced defeat at the hands of Palestinian resistance forces,” and noted this victory as proof to other oppressed nations that resistance is indeed key for liberation.
These remarks come amid a fragile peace in Gaza after more than two months of intense fighting that claimed thousands of lives and caused widespread devastation across the besieged enclave. A ceasefire agreement brokered by regional mediators with support from the UN has held firm despite ongoing tensions and intermittent clashes.
Though Israel has not officially acknowledged defeat, Israeli military analysts have acknowledged the limitations of their campaign, which failed to eliminate key members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad or end rocket fire until nearing the final days. Hamas declared its ceasefire a strategic success as they maintained command structures and expanded regional support networks during it.
Khamenei lauded specific armed factions by name in his message, applauding Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other “resistance forces” for their resilience and tactical effectiveness.
“Gaza’s unity among resistance fighters, its brave youth and its people have opened a new chapter in their resistance against occupation,” he noted. Iran will stand by their cause as moral and religious duty.
Iran has provided financial, political and military aid to Palestinian factions involved in fighting Israel for decades. Recently however, Tehran has intensified its rhetoric against Western and Israeli influence by portraying this conflict as part of a regional anti-Western alliance that they view as essential.
Israel has accused Iran of funding and orchestrating militant activity across the region, such as in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria. Israeli officials have yet to respond directly to Khamenei’s statement; however they previously warned of potential consequences should Iran become involved.
The U.S. State Department criticized Khamenei’s remarks as being unhelpful, and encouraged all parties to focus on rebuilding Gaza and supporting diplomacy.
“Now is a time for de-escalation, reconstruction, and dialogue–not triumphalism or threats,” stated a department spokesperson.
After Khamenei delivered his address, celebrations erupted across parts of Gaza and the West Bank with thousands of Palestinians taking to the streets waving flags, chanting slogans, and handing out sweets as souvenirs of this historic event.
Analysts cautioned against premature celebrations. Infrastructure in Gaza lies in ruin, civilian casualties are rising dramatically and political reconciliation between Palestinian factions remains impossible.
Still, Iran and its allies view this latest round of conflict as a symbolic attempt at countering Israel’s dominance–and an opportunity to strengthen ideological and strategic bonds between their ranks.