The Palestinian armed group Hamas has called on Iran to halt attacks on Gulf states, issuing a rare appeal to one of its closest regional allies as tensions across the Middle East continue to rise.
In a statement on Saturday, Hamas urged its “brothers in Iran” to avoid targeting neighbouring countries.
The group stressed the need for regional cooperation and unity calling on all nations in the region to work together “to preserve the bonds of brotherhood”.
Despite the appeal, Hamas reaffirmed Iran’s right to defend itself against ongoing attacks by the United States and Israel, both of which have continued military strikes against Iranian targets.
Iranian authorities maintain that their retaliatory missile and drone attacks are aimed at “American installations” located in Gulf countries rather than the neighbouring states themselves.
However, several strikes have reportedly hit civilian infrastructure across the region.
Hamas said it was following developments in the conflict with “deep concern” and called on governments and international organisations to work toward an immediate end to the war.
Iran has not publicly responded to the statement.
Over the past two weeks, Iran’s retaliatory strikes have been felt across several Gulf states.
At least 18 people have reportedly been killed, including security personnel and foreign workers.
The casualties include six deaths each in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, while Oman, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have each reported two deaths.
Iran remains Hamas’s largest backer, providing funding, weapons and political support.
The group is part of Tehran’s so-called “axis of resistance”, a regional alliance opposed to US and Israeli influence.
