In a highly publicized engagement, Hamas leaders have met with their Iranian counterparts to discuss the recent United Nations Security Council resolution advocating for a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The resolution, which passed with the help of the United States' abstention from voting, has drawn criticism from Israeli officials who view it as damaging to their country's position in the conflict.

Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas, held a press conference alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, where they praised the UN resolution for dealing a heavy blow to Israel's political and military goals. Haniyeh described the current situation as a pivotal turning point in the historical conflict with Israel, referring to the recent attack as the "Al-Aqsa Flood." Additionally, Haniyeh met with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to discuss the ongoing war in Gaza and the Palestinian issue.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government have expressed their disappointment with the US decision to abstain from the Security Council vote. In response, Israeli officials canceled a high-level delegation to Washington, D.C. Netanyahu's office stated that the abstention undermines their efforts to combat Hamas and secure the release of Israeli hostages, giving Hamas hope that international pressure would allow them to accept a cease-fire without releasing the hostages.

Former US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman criticized the Biden administration, stating that by falsely criticizing Israel and supporting a UN resolution that does not condemn Hamas or condition a cease-fire on the release of hostages, President Biden has granted Hamas a significant diplomatic victory. Iranian outlet Nour News, with close ties to Iran's Supreme National Security Council, hailed the UN resolution as a "diplomatic triumph" for Hamas, claiming that it indicated Israel's irreparable defeat both on the battlefield and on the international and political stage.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry, represented by Amir-Abdollahian, asserted that the passage of the resolution proves that even major powers like the US now acknowledge that eliminating Hamas is an unachievable goal. However, initial reports suggesting Iran's involvement in training Hamas fighters for the Oct. 7 attack have found little evidence to support the claim. Furthermore, Iran attempted to distance itself from Hamas during the early stages of the conflict.

As the conflict in Gaza continues, Israeli officials are expressing their concerns over the UN vote and its potential impact on their stance against Hamas. The meeting between Hamas and Iranian leaders underscores the close relationship between the two entities and highlights Iran's ongoing support for the Palestinian militant group.

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