The visiting political bureau chief of the Palestinian Islamic resistance movement Hamas, Khalid Mashal, and his accompanying delegation met the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei on Monday, February 20.
Speaking at the meeting, the Leader described the victory of the Islamic resistance movement Hamas in the recent Palestinian parliamentary election as among sweet divine surprises and the fulfillment of divine promise.
Referring to the condition of Palestinians and combatant groups over the past years, Ayatollah Khamenei further stated, "The Palestinian people and combatant groups at a time when all doors seemed to be closed to them did not become dispirited and disappointed and continued with their jihad and struggle. They are ultimately witnessing the fulfilment of divine promises one by one."
The Leader of the Islamic Republic noted that following the liberation of Gaza, the victory of Hamas took all by surprise. He attributed these victories to the resistance and perseverance of the Palestinian nation.
"The Palestinian nation showed that it is a vigilant and wise nation versed in politics. This is indicated by the fact that the Palestinian people voted for Hamas while they knew that their votes meant choosing resistance and struggle against the Zionist regime," the Leader told the audience.
Further in his statements, Ayatollah Khamenei hinted at the Khalid Mashal's remarks to the effect that Hamas is not going to recognize or negotiate with the Zionist regime, and that it considers the return of Palestinian refugees to their homeland and the establishment of a Palestinian state with Bait-ul-Moqaddas as its capital to be its basic principles and red lines.
Ayatollah Khamenei stated that the stances taken by Hamas are quite appropriate and principled, emphasizing that the continuation of this path and the observance of these red lines are the only way to achieve success.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Leader described as momentous the responsibilities of Islamic governments and Muslim nations toward the issue of Palestine. He stated that a suitable ground should be prepared through appropriate planning so that all Muslims may play their due part with regard to this important issue of the Islamic world through their contributions.
Ayatollah Khamenei further noted that by extending annual financial contributions, Muslim nations may perform their responsibilities toward the issue of Palestine. He stated that these voluntary financial contributions will play an effective role in promoting the cause of Palestine in the world.
In conclusion, the Leader of the Islamic Republic stressed the need for cooperation, congruity and harmony among all Palestinian groups so that greater strides may be taken toward solving the problems facing the Palestinian people.
The political bureau chief of Hamas, for his part, expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the stances taken by the Islamic Republic of Iran on the issue of Palestine. He also described the victory of Hamas as a victory for the entire Islamic Ummah.
"Surely the Islamic Republic of Iran also has a share in this victory, and we congratulate the Iranian people on this victory," Hamas political bureau chief told the Leader.
Mashal further referred to the victory of Hamas in the recent Palestinian parliamentary election as divine grace and the fulfilment of divine promise. He emphasized that resistance and the blood of martyrs played a pivotal role in this victory.
As regards the votes cast by the Palestinian people in favor of Hamas, Mashal noted, "Palestinians cast their votes based on awareness and insight. The Palestinian people, who have a proper understanding of prevalent circumstances and pressures, in fact voted for Islam, resistance, reform and change."
Hamas political bureau chief also hinted at the propaganda, political and economic pressures of Western countries, especially the United States, and the Zionists against Hamas and the Palestinian people.
"Hamas is going to proceed under the new circumstances without the least retreat from its principled stances and red lines, and it is going to establish a government proportionate to the honor and sovereignty of the Palestinian nation and follow up its slogans with the help and assistance from the Palestinian people and the Islamic Ummah," Mashal pointed out.