As a seasoned journalist with extensive experience covering the Middle East, it is evident that Hamas, a close ally of Iran, serves as a direct link to the Palestinian struggle, a cause that resonates deeply across the Arab world. Recent actions by Hamas, such as the invasion of Israel from Gaza on Oct. 7, resulting in the deaths of roughly 1,200 people, including women and children, as well as the taking of more than 200 hostages, highlight the group’s willingness to engage in violent confrontation.
Since its establishment in 1987, Hamas has collaborated with Palestinian Islamic Jihad, another Iranian-backed militant group, in launching numerous strikes on Israel. In 2021 alone, the two groups fired 4,000 rockets into Israel over an 11-day period. While U.S. officials do not believe Iran initiated the Hamas attacks, they acknowledge that both Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad receive substantial financial support, exceeding $100 million annually, in addition to weapons and training from Tehran.
Despite differences in religious affiliation and political orientation, Hamas and other Palestinian groups share a common animosity towards Israel and a deep-seated resentment towards the legacy of Western colonialism. Iran’s outreach to Hamas dates back to the early 1990s in Lebanon, where connections were forged through Hezbollah, a Shiite Muslim militia with established ties to Iran.
Hamas, equipped with a significant arsenal of comparatively unsophisticated weapons, including thousands of short-range and medium-range rockets, as well as Russian-made anti-tank missiles and drones, poses a significant threat to Israel’s security. The group’s ability to manufacture and assemble weapons within Gaza, using parts sourced from Iran, China, and Russia, further underscores its military capabilities.
In comparison, Hezbollah, the largest and oldest Iranian proxy group in the region, has a formidable arsenal estimated to include 135,000 to 150,000 rockets and missiles, with ranges of up to 200 miles. With precise guidance systems and advanced technology provided by Iran, Hezbollah poses a significant challenge to Israeli security forces. Iran’s strategic backing of Hezbollah as a first line of defense against potential Israeli aggression underscores the close relationship between the two entities.
The Houthi militants, a more recent addition to Iran’s network of allies, have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, disrupting maritime commerce and posing a threat to regional stability. Supported by Iran through weapons and training, the Houthis share a common Shiite affiliation and antipathy towards Saudi Arabia, engaging in conflict within Yemen and beyond.
As these Iranian-backed groups continue to assert their influence and engage in confrontations across the Middle East, the region remains fraught with tensions and the potential for further escalation. The intricate web of alliances and conflicts involving Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis underscores the complex dynamics at play in the region, with Iran’s support serving as a key factor in shaping the geopolitical landscape.