Khaled Mashal Acknowledges Iran’s Key Support for Palestine
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Khaled Mashal, the head of Hamas’s political bureau outside of Palestine, has acknowledged Iran’s continued and vital support for Palestine.
During an appearance on the “Mawazin” program aired on December 10, 2025, Mashal stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran has always been a primary supporter of Palestine and deserves appreciation for all forms of assistance.
Mashal noted that Hamas has received varying degrees of support from all Arab countries and has engaged with them throughout its history. He clarified that Hamas has not confined itself to a specific axis separate from the Arab and Islamic nations, although some Arab and Islamic parties have hindered this image by closing doors to communication with Hamas.
He expressed Hamas’s desire to strengthen its Arab and Islamic presence.
Addressing the issue of weapons, the head of Hamas’s political bureau expressed hope that the group could explain its approach to the U.S. government and gain its approval. He added that Gaza has fulfilled its responsibilities and it is now time for it to rise and recover.
Mashal explained that Hamas has proposed an equation to various parties regarding Israel’s demand for disarmament. The proposal seeks to create a guaranteed image that prevents the recurrence of war in Gaza and Israeli occupation, ensuring that weapons are preserved, concealed, and not used or displayed.
He also mentioned the proposal of a “long-term ceasefire” as a genuine guarantee.
Mashal emphasized that the real threat comes from the Zionist regime, not from Gaza, stating that demanding disarmament from Palestinians is akin to separating the soul from the body. He voiced optimism about convincing the U.S. government about Hamas’s approach to possessing weapons, which he described as based on pragmatic rationality, and its potential to be imposed on the Israeli side, adding that mediating countries are presenting this approach to the Americans.
Mashal outlined Gaza’s future strategy as focusing on self-revival through reconstruction. He stressed that Gaza has done its part, and now no one should expect it to fire a bullet or take military action. He stated that Hamas has informed mediators of its need for assistance in revitalization and recovery.
Regarding an international force, Mashal stated that the resistance does not oppose the presence of an international force, similar to UNIFIL, to maintain stability on the borders and separate Gaza from the Israeli occupation. He added that guarantor countries, especially mediators such as Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, along with eight Arab and Islamic countries, could guarantee that no military action is taken from Gaza against Israel.
Mashal also appreciated the position of Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Atti, who prioritized the international force’s role in maintaining peace rather than imposing it.
Concerning the management of Gaza, Mashal noted that it was previously agreed that the region would be managed by a technocratic government encompassing both Gaza and the West Bank, but the war and Israel’s veto prevented this. He mentioned that in discussions held a few weeks ago between Palestinian groups and Egypt, 40 names were proposed, with eight ultimately selected to represent Gaza’s diverse community, but Israel obstructed this process.
Mashal cautioned against the “Peace Council” proposed in the U.S. President’s plan, labeling it as “dangerous.” Hamas opposes the subsidiary “Executive Council,” which would effectively manage Gaza, viewing this structure as a form of guardianship over the Palestinian people. He emphasized that Palestinians want to govern themselves and decide who governs them.
Mashal stated that the Palestinian issue has regained its true position on the regional stage and is no longer marginalized. He argued that Israel has become a globally rejected regime due to committing genocide.
Regarding normalization efforts and attempts to eliminate the Palestinian issue, Mashal said that this idea has largely disappeared after the events of October 7, 2023, except for those who wish to ignore the results of Israel’s two-year war against Gaza.
Mashal also addressed Israeli actions in the West Bank, stating that the regime is effectively annexing the area and intends to determine the political identity of the West Bank and place it under Israeli sovereignty through practical measures.
He concluded by emphasizing the significant responsibility on the Palestinian Authority, which knows its political plan has failed, its powers have diminished, and it is seen as a security tool.
