Ideology of HAMAS, Palestine Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah and the Islamic Republic of Iran

“We Shall Confront the World with Our Ideology”

(Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini Iran’s Revolution, the first year )

Ideology of HAMAS, Palestine Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah and the Islamic Republic of Iran

While many countries call for a cessation of violence and an end to violence against the State of Israel after it was invaded by Hamas on the 7th October 2023, there is one important factor that seems to be being overlooked. That is the ideology of The Islamic Republic of Iran, Hamas, the Palestine Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah.

Al-Qaeda, Al-Qaeda in Yemen, Al-Qaeda in Iraq and many others were all defeated. The terrorist group known as the Islamic State or Da’esh has been overcome. All these terrorist organisations have been subdued. But only on the ground. The one thing that keeps these terrorist groups along with their supporters alive is their ideology. Although these groups have been beaten, militarily, their ideology lives on.

What is an ideology?

(Chambers English Dictionary, page 707): the science of idea’s, metaphysics: abstracted speculation: visionary speculation: a body of ideas, usually political and/or economic, forming the basis of a national or sectarian policy: way of thinking. Examples of ideologies include liberalism, conservatism, socialism, communism, feminism, environmentalism, and religious ideologies.

They play a crucial role in shaping the way people perceive the world, make decisions, and interact with others. Ideologies can be associated with specific movements, institutions, or political parties, and they often provide a sense of identity and purpose for those who adhere to them.

The University of St Andrews on its course regarding understanding international terrorism describes ideology in the following way: “ideological and political motivated groups frequently allow them to justify their violence and blame their enemies for forcing them to choose the way of violence. Such groups can have various reasons for resorting to violence, such as the failure of not being able to fulfil their goals through non-violent means or the suppression of non-violent agitation by a government.”

The Islamic Republic of Iran

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

The relationship between the monarch-based Iran and Israel warmed in 1950 when Iran recognised the state of Israel. Iran was the second Muslim country after Turkey to recognise Israel to the extent it opened a consular representation in Jerusalem. The relationship grew and formed around four main interests; Oil, intelligence and security relations, trade relations and assistance in areas such as agriculture, water resources, and other topics.

In the early sixties Khomeini was exiled from Iran to Turkey and then to Iraq in Najaf.? This is where his work on the 1979 Iranian revolution began. He taught that Islam in general and Iran in particular were being attacked by the west in areas such as military, economics and culturally.

Iranian resistance movements were founded and divided into several factions. For most of these group’s opposition was to be between the Shah of Iran and Israel. After the 1979 Iranian revolution which saw Khomeini as the head of the new theocratic Islamic Republic resistance to Israel became a model for both strategic and ideological reasons. The first to visit the new Islamic States was Yasser Arafat of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO). The relationship between the two was formed because of a mutual interest.

Yasser Arafat and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini were prominent figures in the Middle East, but they did not have a close relationship. Arafat was the leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), a secular nationalist movement seeking to establish a Palestinian state, while Khomeini was the Supreme Leader of Iran and a key figure in the Islamic Revolution of 1979, which transformed Iran into an Islamic republic.

The ideological differences between Arafat's secular nationalism and Khomeini's Islamic revolutionary principles were significant. Arafat focused on the Palestinian cause and the establishment of a secular Palestinian state, while Khomeini was primarily concerned with promoting Islamic governance based on Shia principles.

Despite these differences, both leaders opposed Israel, and there were moments of tactical cooperation between Palestinian groups and Iran, particularly in their shared opposition to Israel.

Other Palestinian groups and Arafat’s PLO ideology was set out in the Palestine National Charter or Covenants and was adopted in 1964 but did not explicitly call for the destruction of Israel. In 1968 the PLO revised its charter to include more militant language and to emphasize armed struggle as a means to achieve its goals. The Charter functioned as the PLO’s constitution, and contained 33 articles calling for the destruction of the State of Israel. It went further in 1974 when the PLO adopted a phased program which stated, “Any liberation step that is achieved constitutes a step for continuing to achieve the PLO strategy for the establishment of the Palestinian democratic state...to pave the way for completing the liberation of all Palestinian soil.”

The indoctrination of future Palestinian generations was forged.

Iran has historically provided financial and political support to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and various Palestinian factions. During the 1980s, under the leadership of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Iran significantly increased its support for Palestinian groups, including the PLO. Iran saw the Palestinian cause as aligned with its revolutionary principles and opposition to Israel. Iran provided financial aid, training, and weapons to Palestinian factions engaged in a conflict with Israel. The PLO, received support from Iran during this period, although Arafat and the PLO also maintained relationships with other regional actors.

Arafat died in November 2004 and the long-time secretary general of the PLO; Mahmoud Abbas became the new chairman of the PLO.

What was Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ideology towards Israel?

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, held a multifaceted ideology towards Israel. Some of the key aspects of his perspective were, Anti-Israel Sentiment, a Clerical Republic, neither West nor East. Khomeini advocated for an ideological struggle to keep Islam uncontaminated by foreign ideas, whether from the West or the East. Revolutionary Islam. Khomeini's concept of revolutionary Islam was well-known in the West. It encompassed not only political struggle against the Shah but also a broader vision of justice, independence, and resistance against oppressive powers. His vision extended beyond Iran and aimed to confront the world with his ideology. Israel is seen as an oppressive power.

Ayatollah Khomeini's ideology towards Israel was deeply rooted in religious, political, and anti-imperialist sentiments. His views shaped Iran's stance and continue to influence the country's policies today. Khomeinism had been born and an ideology that would shape the Middle East or Region as it is known today.

On the 3rd June 1989 Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini died. Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei, mostly known as Ali Khamenei was elected as the next Supreme Leader.

Since being elected Supreme Leader in 1989, Khamenei has made it clear he wants Israel, as a country, to disappear. He stated, “Regarding the Palestine issue, the problem is taking back Palestine, which means the disappearance of Israel. There is no difference between occupied territories before and after [the Arab-Israeli war of] 1967. Every inch of Palestinian land is an inch of Palestinians’ home. Any entity ruling Palestine is illegitimate unless it is Islamic and by Palestinians. Our position is what our late Imam [Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini] said, “Israel must disappear.” The Jews of Palestine can live there, if they accept the Islamic government there. We are not against Jews. The issue is the illegal ownership of Muslims’ homes. Muslim leaders, if they were not influenced by the world powers, could solve this important problem, but unfortunately have not been able to.”

On the 11th November the Islamic State attended the emergency meeting with the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh along with other Muslim nations. The meeting was in regard to the Israeli invasion and war against Hamas or as Iran likes to call it, the war against the Palestinians.

Iran used the platform to deliver its, “10 Urgent Solutions to the Gaza War .” Several of them included; Immediate withdrawal of the military of the Zionist regime from Gaza, cutting off any political and economic ties with the Zionist regime, Recognition of the military of Israel as a terrorist organization and the establishment of an international court to prosecute and punish the criminal leaders of Israel and the U.S.

Iran is attempting to turn all the Muslim nations against Israel and the United States thus paving the way for the removal of the United States from the Middle East and the exclusion of Israel by declaring it a terrorist state. Israel would cease to exist and be subsumed into Palestine lands. The United States would disappear and Iran would then bully other nations so that Shia Islam would be the dominant Muslim faith in the Region.

But Iran realises through geographic locations it cannot do this by itself.

What is the Iranian "Axis of Resistance?"?

The Axis of Resistance is an informal anti-Israeli and anti-Western political and military coalition led by the Iranian government. It includes several key players in the Middle East, united by their shared objectives.

Members

Iran. As the central figure, Iran plays a leading role in the Axis of Resistance.

Syria. The Syrian Arab Republic is a key member, aligned with Iran’s interests.

Hezbollah. The Lebanese Shia militant group Hezbollah is closely associated with Iran and shares its anti-Israel stance.

Palestinian Militant Groups. Various Palestinian militant groups, including Hamas, are part of this alliance.

Other Allies. Pro-Ba’athist Syrian militias, some Iraqi proxy militias, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and Venezuela (under Nicolás Maduro) are also considered part of the Axis of Resistance.

Objectives of the Axis are

Anti-Zionism (A term Iran uses constantly when Iran describes Israel). The Axis opposes Israel’s existence and activities.

Anti-Western stance. It challenges Western influence in the Middle East.

Opposition to MEK. The coalition opposes the activities of the MEK (Mujahedin-e Khalq), an Iranian opposition group.

Unified by Opposition. Despite differing ideologies (such as secular Ba’athism, Shia Khomeinism, and Chavismo (Venezuela)), the Axis of Resistance is unified by its declared objectives. It opposes pro-Western parties, Israel, Arab Gulf states, Sunni Jihadists. It is important to note here that Iran sees itself the saviour of Shi’ite Muslims.

The theocratic Islamic Republic of Iran stance toward Sunni Islam is multifaceted and has evolved over time. About 90% of Iranians identify as Shi’a Muslims, making it the predominant branch of Islam in the country. Iranian Sunni’s are by law and practice, barred from key sectors of Iranian politics, including high-level government jobs and are openly biased against those who practice the Sunni Islamic faith. A 2022 report by the Iran Human Rights Documentation Centre (IHRDC) highlights the systematic efforts by the Iranian government to marginalize Iran’s Sunni population. These efforts include execution, imprisonment, destruction of religious sites, and restrictions on religious expression.

Those who practice Sunni Islam are but pawns in the Shia Iranian game of chess.

Why Does the theocratic Islamic Republic of Iran use Sunni Islam organisations?

There is a complexity in this as Iran will use any group that shares its values but only to continue its own ideology of ensuring that the state of Israel is eradicated. Iran is approximately 1,000 miles or 1, 600 kilometres from Israel and therefore cannot directly attack Israel. There are four countries between Iran and Israel; Iraq, Jordon, Syria and Turkey.

Iran seeks to expand its influence across the Middle East. By supporting Sunni organizations, it can gain regional allies and extend its reach beyond its predominantly Shi’a population. Engaging with Sunni groups allows Iran to counterbalance the influence of other regional powers, such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Iran’s support for Sunni organizations is often driven by its shared anti-Israel, anti-Western stance and their former anti-colonial masters. These groups challenge Israel’s existence and oppose Western interests in the region. By backing Sunni militias, Iran aims to weaken Israel and undermine Western influence.

Iran uses Sunni proxies as part of its proxy warfare strategy. These groups can carry out actions that align with Iran’s objectives without direct involvement from the Iranian military. For example, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza receive Iranian support despite being Sunni organizations.

Iran has set up ecumenical platforms to reinforce ties with Sunni clerics. These efforts aim to pave the way for a global alliance of both Shi’a and Sunni Islamist militants. While ideological differences exist, Iran seeks common ground to advance its regional goals.

Since the 1979 revolution, Iran has built a network of proxies across the Middle East. It provides arms, training, and financial support to militias and political movements in countries like Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon, the Palestinian Territories, Syria, and Yemen.

The United States has struggled to contain Iran’s regional influence through sanctions, and these measures have not fully succeeded.

How are Proxies groups used in warfare?

In warfare, proxy groups play a significant role as intermediaries for larger powers and are used in an asymmetrical way. When a weaker power wants to confront a stronger power but realises that it would possibly be confusing its ambitions and its capabilities it employs others to conduct the war or conflict against their sworn enemies. In the Middle East Iran uses others to do its fighting for them.

These groups aid the larger on into what has become known as a proxy war an armed conflict between two states or non-state actors, where one or both sides act on behalf of other parties that are not directly involved in the hostilities. Proxy groups are organizations or militias that fight in a conflict, often with support from external benefactors

Sub-Contracting out or outsourcing lethal activity, avoiding direct military intervention by outsourcing the fighting to proxy groups. These proxies carry out the actual combat, allowing the benefactor to maintain plausible deniability and minimize its own deaths and casualties.

The strategy of proxy groups are used to serve the interests of those who employ them, in this case it is the Islamic Republic of Iran. The benefactors use proxies to influence a conflicts outcome in their favour and can undermine their opponents. In the Middle East, various proxy groups (including Hezbollah, Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ), Hamas and other Sunni jihadist groups) fight on behalf of Iran.

In the current conflict between Israel and Hamas proxy groups are also attacking United States interests. Whilst currently ‘sniping’ at the American who at some point respond, these groups may possibly open up the war in the Middle East while Iran sits back and watches, encourages and gloats.

On the 31st October 2023 in the Tehran Times (an Iranian government mouthpiece) Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Iran’s Foreign Minister, “denied U.S. allegations that Iran was involved in recent attacks on U.S. military bases in West Asia, saying that Iran has no proxies in the region and that Tehran does not control any group.”

However, the groups and organisations operating on the Eastern side of the Middle East are no longer referred to as ‘proxies’ and Abdollahian is correct in his statement. What the Americans failed to do was to use the correct term for those operating under Iran’s behalf. Iran has rebranded the term proxy/proxies. Those former names do not apply instead Iran refers to them as “Resistance Groups,” “Resistance Operations,” or “Regional Forces of Resistance.”

Earlier the question was asked, what is the Iranian "Axis of Resistance?"? The lead answer was, “Iran. As the central figure, Iran plays a leading role in the Axis of Resistance.”

Iran exercises influence over the Middle East Axis of Resistance, a network of groups and forces aligned with its interests. Here are some of the ways Iran maintains control over its resistance (proxy) groups.

·???????? Hezbollah in Lebanon: Iran provides significant support to Hezbollah, a powerful Shi’a militant group in Lebanon. Hezbollah shares Iran’s anti-Israel stance and has a strong military wing. Hezbollah is also deeply embedded in criminal activities such as drugs and money laundering among many other unlawful activities.

·???????? Houthi Rebels in Yemen: Iran backs the Houthi movement in Yemen, providing weapons, training, and financial aid. The Houthis have been engaged in conflict with Saudi Arabia, a regional rival of Iran.

·???????? Syrian Regime: Iran supports the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria.

·???????? The Axis of Resistance is united by a common ideology that opposes Israel, Western influence, and perceived aggression from regional rivals.

·???????? Iran’s Shi’a Islamist ideology resonates with groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis, despite their differing backgrounds.

·???????? Iran shares military intelligence, training, and tactics with its allies (proxy/resistance). This cooperation strengthens their capabilities and allows them to coordinate actions.

·???????? Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) plays a crucial role in supporting these proxy groups.

·???????? Iran provides financial aid, weapons, and logistical support to its allies. This assistance helps sustain their operations and maintain their loyalty.

·???????? The IRGC’s Quds Force oversees these activities and manages relations with proxy/resistance groups.

In summary, Iran’s control over the Middle East Axis of Resistance involves ideological alignment, military support, and strategic coordination with its allies. Terrorist organizations sometimes choose to rename themselves for various reasons. Some are, legal and political considerations, internal divisions and factionalism, operational flexibility and/or recruitment and propaganda. In Iran’s case its more for denial, claiming that their resistance groups operate solely on their own, in truth they are guided by Iran. It’s also worthy of note that there is no international definition on what is a ‘terrorist’ or “terrorism.”.

Resistance Groups

Why does the Islamic Republic of Iran support Hamas?

HAMAS

‘Hamas’, an acronym for “Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya” (Islamic Resistance Movement). The group was designated a ‘foreign terrorist group’ by the United States in October 1997 . Hamas is believed to be a spin-off of the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood in the late 1980s, the Islamist militant group Hamas took over the Gaza Strip after defeating its rival political party, Fatah, in elections in 2006. The United Kingdom also declared Hamas a terrorist organisation on the 19th October 2021 .

Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood share ideological and historical ties. Hamas, a Palestinian militant group and political organization, was founded in 1987 during the First Intifada (a rebellion or uprising, or a resistance movement). The founders of Hamas were influenced by the Muslim Brotherhood's ideology, and the organization itself has often been described as the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood.

While they share common roots and principles, it's important to note that Hamas operates independently and has its own distinct agenda focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The connection between Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood is more ideological and historical than organizational, as each group operates in its own specific context.

The status of the Muslim Brotherhood varies from country to country, and different governments have different perspectives on the organization. It's essential to note that the Muslim Brotherhood is not universally designated as a terrorist group. However, it has faced varying levels of scrutiny and legal challenges in different regions.

Several countries, such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, have labelled the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. In Egypt, for example, the group has been banned, and its members have faced legal consequences.

The Muslim Brotherhood has an anti-Israel Stance and consistently opposes the existence of Israel. Its early leaders, including Hassan al-Banna, expressed a vision of an Islamic state that would eventually replace Israel. Al-Banna himself stated, “Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it”

Hamas, or the Islamic Resistance Movement, was founded in 1987 during the First Intifada (Palestinian uprising) against Israeli occupation. Initially, it started as a social and political organization with a strong Islamist ideology. Over time, it evolved into a significant actor in Palestinian politics and resistance.

In 2006, the Palestinian Authority called for parliamentary elections. To the surprise of many, Hamas won a majority of seats in parliament. This electoral victory put Hamas in a position of power , while its rival political party, Fatah, which advocated for peaceful dealings with Israel, was relegated to a parliamentary minority.

Despite Hamas’ “electoral success”, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, leader of Fatah, initially refused to surrender control of the government to his party’s rival.

Factional Fighting started and a round of assassinations of members from both parties followed, leading to factional fighting. More than 600 Palestinians were killed during this violent period.

Hamas and the former ruling body Fatah fought against each other in June 2007 at the Battle of Gaza or as it is often referred to as “Hama’s takeover of Gaza.” Hamas exploited the near total collapse of Palestinian Authority forces in Gaza, to take over control of Gaza, ousting Fatah officials. Immediately upon the conclusion of the Battle of Gaza, Israel imposed an economic blockade on Gaza, and Hamas repeatedly launched rocket attacks upon areas of Israel near its border with Gaza because of the blockade.

By mid-2007, Hamas had taken complete control over Gaza, successfully beating down Fatah forces and compelling Abbas to relocate to the West Bank.

The Hamas organisation a distinct ideology towards Israel

Objective

Hamas is “committed to armed resistance against Israel” and seeks the “creation of an Islamic Palestinian state” in place of the current state of Israel. It rejects peaceful settlements with Israel and views the use of violence as a legitimate means to achieve its goals.

1988 Hamas Charter

According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the Hamas' 1988 charter called for the destruction of Israel. Steven Cook , a senior fellow for Middle East and Africa studies for the council, stated in 2021 that Hamas "sees all of Israel and Palestine as Muslim lands, and thus the illegitimacy of Israel and Jewish claims to those lands."

The Hamas Charter , issued in 1988, outlined the organization’s founding identity and aims. It declared that “our struggle against the Jews is very great and very serious” and called for the eventual creation of an Islamic State in Palestine, replacing both Israel and the Palestinian Territories. The Charter emphasized jihad and rejected any solution other than armed struggle. It dismissed initiatives, proposals, and international conferences as futile.

In 2010 , Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal acknowledged that the Charter was “a piece of history” and no longer relevant but couldn’t be changed for internal reasons. In 2017 with a charter update, Hamas issued a new charter that accepted, for the first time, the idea of a Palestinian state within the pre-1967 borders. It rejected recognition of Israel, referring to it as the “Zionist enemy.”

While advocating for a transitional state, Hamas still seeks the “liberation of all of Palestine.” The new document clarified that Hamas does not seek war with the Jewish people but opposes Zionism and the “occupation of Palestine.”

Religious Context

Hamas's ideology is rooted in “Islamist principles” and draws inspiration from religious interpretations. It considers the “liberation of Palestine” as a religious duty.

Struggle and Resistance

Hamas believes in “armed struggle” as a way to reclaim Palestinian land and resist Israeli occupation. It views the “Israeli state” as an “occupying power” and seeks its dismantling.

Social Services and Governance

While known for its militant activities, Hamas also provides “social services” and runs “civil administration” in the Gaza Strip. Its governance includes health services, education, and courts.

However, in a statement from Moussa Abu Marzouk , a prominent member of Hamas’s political bureau in the Times of Israel on the 31st October 2023 he declared “that the terror group that rules Gaza is not responsible for protecting the Strip’s civilians, and said that the vast tunnel network underneath the enclave is only for the protection of Hamas terrorists. In an interview with Russia Today’s Arabic channel on Friday, Abu Marzouk was asked why Hamas has dug 500 kilometres (310 miles) of tunnels in the territory it has ruled over since 2007, but has never built shelters for civilians to hide during bombings. “We built the tunnels because we have no other way of protecting ourselves from being killed in airstrikes.

We are fighting from inside the tunnels,” the Qatar-based Hamas official said, according to a segment of the interview translated and shared by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI). “Seventy-five percent of the population of Gaza are refugees, and it is the UN’s responsibility to protect them,” Abu Marzouk added, referencing the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) that operates across Gaza, the West Bank and other Middle East countries.

Abu Marzouk claimed that it was Israel’s obligation to provide for the needs of the citizens of Gaza under the Geneva Convention, referring to the international agreement for the protection of noncombatants during armed conflicts. Hamas has fired tens of thousands of rockets aimed at Israeli cities over the past 20 years, in contravention of the same convention.

You either except the responsibility when elected by your citizens or you pass it to someone who can. When elected as a political power as Iran and others state those elected cannot pick and choose government areas that you govern, it is all or nothing. Whilst Hamas states that it is fighting for the Palestinian people it then rejects this stance when it only looks after itself. Was this what Hamas was elected for in 2006? Or was it what Hamas fought for in2007?

In 2006, when Hamas came to power after winning the Palestinian legislative elections, it proposed a government program that outlined its political stance. Here are the key points from that manifesto:

Recognition of Israel . The manifesto stated that “the question of recognizing Israel is not the jurisdiction of one faction, nor the government, but a decision for the Palestinian people.” This position reflected a departure from Hamas’s original Charter, which had called for the obliteration of Israel.

Independent Palestinian State . Instead of explicitly advocating for the destruction of Israel, the manifesto emphasized the establishment of an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. While the language was more ambiguous, it signalled a willingness to engage in political processes and work toward a Palestinian state.

While Hamas’s original Charter had a more rigid and militant tone, its political manifesto in 2006 signalled a pragmatic approach, acknowledging the need for political decisions by the Palestinian people and emphasizing the goal of an independent state.

There have been numerous attempts over the years to find a peaceful solution to the Palestinian and Israel problem but none have borne fruit and so the impasse for peace between the two continues.

Palestinian representatives have been from Yasser Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas along with Israeli representatives, Yitzhak Rabin and Ariel Sharon. It’s worth pointing out here that Arafat represented the Palestine Liberation Organisation and Abbas represented the Palestinian Authority.

In 2010 there was a Palestinian militancy campaign ?which was a coordinated effort by 13 Palestinian militant groups, led by Islamist group Hamas (including the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)), to derail peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. It appears that Arafat, Abbas and Hamas have different ideological ideas when it comes to peace.

The Islamic Republic of Iran and its influence on Hamas

Iran has significantly influenced Hamas, the Palestinian militant group. Here are key points regarding their relationship:

Financial and Military Support

Iran provides substantial funding , estimated at around $100 million annually, to Hamas, as well as to other Palestinian groups like the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). This financial support enables Hamas to carry out its activities, including weapons procurement, training and building of its tunnel network . These tunnels pose a unique challenge for the Israeli Defence Force (IDF). Hamas began investing in subterranean infrastructure after 2012 when restrictions on importing building materials to Gaza were lifted. The tunnels vary in quality, with many being well-equipped, hardened, and deep enough to evade detection by ground-penetrating radar. Locating and storming this underground network is a formidable task for any attacking force.

Shared Objectives

Both Iran and Hamas share a common goal: the destruction of Israel. Iran views the Palestinian cause as an important Arab and Muslim issue, aligning with its broader regional goals.

Axis of Resistance

Iran considers Hamas part of the "axis of resistance" against Israel and Western influence. This axis includes groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and others who oppose Israel and its allies.

Strategic Considerations

Iran's support for Hamas is driven by its regional strategy and the desire to counter Israel's influence. While Iran denies direct control over militant groups, its backing of the axis of resistance remains a significant destabilizing force in the region.

Iran's influence on Hamas extends beyond financial aid, shaping the group's ideology and actions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Islamic Republic has also warned that the” expansion of the Israel-Hamas war is inevitable.”

Why does the Islamic Republic of Iran support Hamas?

Ideological Motivations

Anti-Israel Sentiment : Iran views Israel as a usurper of Muslim lands and a threat to Islam. They call on other groups to act as it is their religious duty. Ideologically, Iran considers supporting Palestinian groups as a religious duty. Supporting Hamas aligns with Iran's broader stance against perceived Western and Israeli dominance.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ ), founded in 1981, has a distinct ideology towards Israel:

Objective

?The PIJ explicitly aims to “destroy the Israeli state” and rejects the option of a peaceful settlements with Israel. ?It views Israel as both an “occupying power” and a “colonial power” that must be dismantled.

Israel’s eradication is viewed as an essential prerequisite for addressing the challenges facing the Muslim world. The PIJ advocates for the use of guerrilla groups to execute terrorist attacks, intending to weaken Israel. It envisions laying the groundwork for a future scenario in which a significant Islamic Arabic army engages in military confrontation to achieve Israel's destruction

Root Causes

The PIJ believes that the Arab-Israeli conflict's roots lie not only in the 1948 emergence of the Israeli state but also in “Western imperialism” and its impact on Islamic unity.

Religious Influence

Their objective is informed by their “historical understanding” of the current situation and their “religious beliefs” and interpretations of the Quran.

Iranian Ties

While the PIJ is a “Sunni group”, it draws inspiration from revolutionary, theocratic “Shia ideals” propagated during the “1979 Iranian Revolution” that established an Islamic regime.

In summary, the PIJ's ideology centres on violent opposition to Israel, seeking its eradication as a prerequisite for addressing challenges facing the Muslim world.

Why does the Islamic Republic of Iran support The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)?

The Islamic Republic of Iran supports The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) for both geostrategic and ideological reasons. Let's delve into these factors.

Geostrategic Considerations:

Regional Influence. Iran aids, arms, and funds the PIJ to expand its regional influence.

Counterbalance. Supporting Palestinian groups like the PIJ allows Iran to counterbalance Israel's influence in the Middle East.

Proxy Warfare. By backing the PIJ, Iran indirectly challenges Israel through asymmetrical proxy warfare/resistance operations.

Ideological Motivations

Anti-Israel Sentiment. Iran views Israel as a usurper of Muslim lands and a threat to Islam.

Religious Duty. Ideologically, Iran considers supporting Palestinian groups as a religious duty.

Solidarity. Supporting the PIJ aligns with Iran's broader stance against perceived Western and Israeli dominance.

Iran's relationship with the PIJ is complex, combining strategic calculations and ideological convictions.

Hezbollah

Hezbollah is a Shiite Islamic political party and militant group based in Lebanon. It arose in the early 1980s during the Lebanese Civil War. Hezbollah opposes the Israeli State and the influence of Western governments in the Middle East. The group has been declared a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union. Since 1992, Hezbollah has been led by secretary general Hassan Nasrallah. It currently holds 13 seats in Lebanon’s 128-member parliament. Hezbollah is considered the world’s most powerful non-state military forces, with more than 25,000 active fighters, an extensive array of weapons and hardware, and a yearly budget of over $1 billion.

The United States Department of State officially designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization in October 1997 . Since then, it has remained on the Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Terrorist lists. Additionally, the UK Parliament has also classified Hezbollah as a terrorist group in March 2019 .

‘Hezbollah’, also known as “Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya” (Islamic Resistance Movement), holds a distinct ideology towards Israel:

Objective

Hezbollah is “committed to armed resistance against Israel” and seeks the “creation of an Islamic Palestinian state” in place of the current state of Israel. It rejects peaceful settlements with Israel and views the use of violence as a legitimate means to achieve its goals.

Religious Context

Their ideology is rooted in “Islamist principles” and draws inspiration from religious interpretations. Hezbollah considers the “liberation of Palestine” as a religious duty.

Struggle and Resistance

They believe in “armed struggle ” as a way to reclaim Palestinian land and resist Israeli occupation. Hezbollah views the “Israeli state” as an “occupying power” and seeks its dismantling.

Social Services and Governance

While known for its militant activities, Hezbollah also provides “social services” and runs “civil administration” in the Gaza Strip. Its governance includes health services, education, and courts.

Hezbollah combines armed resistance, religious ideology, and governance in its pursuit of an Islamic Palestinian state. Although Hezbollah is not in the current conflict with Israel and Hamas it does strongly support Hamas. Hezbollah is currently attacking Israel on a minor scale. As the war with Hamas goes against their favour and after Israel achieves its aim of destroying the Hamas terrorist network the possibility of Hezbollah escalating to a greater threat must be considered even though there is a strong deterring presence of the United States currently in the region.

Why does the Islamic Republic of Iran support Hezbollah?

Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Islamist movement, has one of the most powerful paramilitary forces in the Middle East. Here are key reasons why the Islamic Republic of Iran supports Hezbollah:

Strategic Asset

For Iran, Hezbollah is a strategic asset that extends Iranian influence to the Mediterranean. It serves as a proxy force to carry out Iran's interests and fight against Israel.

Anti-Israel Credentials

Hezbollah's rockets and missiles demonstrate Iran's anti-Israel credentials. Supporting Hezbollah aligns with Iran's broader stance against perceived Western and Israeli dominance.

Defence Line

Hezbollah's value to Tehran transcends the Lebanese theatre. It acts as a key line of defence for the Islamic Republic.

Iran's support for Hezbollah goes beyond financial aid; it's a calculated move to advance its regional goals.

Finance. In 2016 Hassan Nasrallah the leader of the terrorist group Hezbollah stated that, “We are open about the fact that Hezbollah’s budget , its income, its expenses, everything it eats and drinks, its weapons and rockets, come from the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

Conclusion

There are many similarities between the three resistance groups and their master Iran. They share ideological ideas as to how the Middle East/West Asia should look and who would play a part. In particular if the theocratic revolutionary government of Tehran had its way Israeli would no longer exist. The fact that the Palestinians need to have their own territory and be able to govern themselves is not arguable. What does need to be not only debated and actioned, is a pro-active plan put in place to remove the Islamic Republic of Iran’s influence not just from the Palestinians but also from the Lebanese Hezbollah. Ideology is a huge driving force that Iran uses well. What Iran has done is taken their thoughts and channelled them into the anti-hate that now exists between Arab nations and Israel whilst conducting Khomeini’s revolutionary wishes. Resistance groups are portraying their own ideology not as different factions but as one guided by a religious duty, solidarity and an anti-Israel sentiment pushed by Iran. Once the conflict has finished then the mind-set and ideology of the destruction of a legitimate state must be deradicalized and a different ideology put in place. Those who are suffering are the Palestinians and the Israeli’s. Iran sits miles away and directs it’s wishes so others can carry them out making them the martyrs, Iran stands above everyone when it comes to denial. Unless the mind sets of many are changed conflicts will continue in the Middle East.

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'Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed'

(Constitution of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization )

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Paul Ashley

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