Iran leader appears to praise Palestinian unity bid

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has sent a letter to Hamas head Ismail Haniyeh appearing to praise Palestinian unity efforts between the terror group and its rival Fatah, headed by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

“Certainly maintaining vigilance, unity and harmony among the Palestinian people and movements will play an effective role in the nullification of the enemy’s plots and will bring about divine assistance,” Khamenei writes.

He congratulates the “the Resistance Movement’s successful efforts in defeating the US & the Zionist regime,” though it is not clear what he is referring to.

Hamas and Fatah announced last week that they would join forces to work against Israeli plans to annex the West Bank. Israel has yet to take any concrete steps as it reportedly awaits an American green light.

Several rockets have been shot out of Gaza at Israel in recent days, in what some see as a response to the annexation plans. None have caused any damage.

Iran enjoys warm ties with Hamas, but is not seen as particularly close to the PA or Abbas.

“Iran, just like before, and based on its religious and human duty, will not spare any effort to support the oppressed people of Palestine and to revive their rights as well as to repel the evil of the fake, usurping Zionist regime,” the letter reads.