Iran’s FM Urges Muslim Unity in Support of Palestine

A delegation of the Hamas faction in the Palestinian parliament, headed by Mahmoud al-Zahar, held a meeting with Iran’s foreign minister in Tehran on Sunday to discuss the latest developments concerning Palestine.

In the meeting, Zarif said the Muslim countries, despite some differences, should unite on the issue of supporting Palestine in order to prevent abuses.

“Unfortunately, efforts to counter the Resistance movement are made from inside the Muslim world today. These pressures are also placed on all countries and Muslim movements,” the Foreign Ministry’s website quoted him as saying.

“Supporting Palestine is a basic policy of the Islamic Republic,” Zarif added, expressing hope that some regional governments that have pinned their hopes on the support of the Zionists and the US would return to the Muslim world and realize that Zionists are no real friend or partner for anybody.

Al-Zahar, in turn, said Iran provides Palestine with “true support”, expressing hope the resistance of the Palestinian people and the support of the Muslim world would bring an end to the Zionist project.

Pointing to Mahmoud Abbas’ announcement of dissolution of the Palestinian parliament, al-Zahar said the parliament has been elected legally and should continue its work until the end of its tenure.

“According to the Palestinian Constitution, the parliament cannot be dissolved under any circumstances, even in an emergency situation, and its tenure should end,” he said.

The Iranian foreign minister expressed regret over the announcement, saying the move by Abbas is against democratic principles and would serve the Zionists’ interests.

Zarif also stressed the need for the unity of the Palestinian nation to support the resistance axis.