Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, visiting Iran on Tuesday, claimed that Israel is experiencing “unprecedented political isolation,” following the UN Security Council’s call for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. Speaking at a news conference in Tehran after meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Haniyeh said, “Although this resolution came late and there may be some gaps that need to be filled, the resolution itself indicates that the Israeli occupation is experiencing unprecedented political isolation.”
Haniyeh criticized Israel’s diminishing political support, even within the Security Council, and stated that “the US is unable to impose its will on the international community.” He asserted that “the Zionist entity” has failed to achieve its military or strategic objectives after more than five months of conflict.
During his visit, Haniyeh also met with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who praised the “unique resistance of the Palestinian forces” against Israel, which Khamenei accused of committing “crimes and brutalities” with Western support. Khamenei reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause and the people of Gaza.
This is Haniyeh’s second visit to Tehran since the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, which resulted in approximately 1,160 deaths, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Iran hailed the attack as a “success” but denied direct involvement.
Iran-backed groups in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen have since increased their attacks on Israeli and Western targets. Israel’s retaliation has led to over 32,000 deaths in Gaza, primarily women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution on Monday calling for an “immediate ceasefire” during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and a “lasting” truce. The resolution also demanded that Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups release hostages taken during the October 7 attack. Israel estimates that about 130 of the approximately 250 hostages remain in Gaza, with 33 presumed dead.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani described the resolution as a “positive but insufficient step,” urging for “effective measures to implement the resolution and a complete and permanent cessation of attacks.”