Iran’s Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, has sparked controversy with his comments on the devastating Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023. In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, Elahi described the attack, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people, as a ‘military operation’ rather than a ‘terror attack’. He asserted that while he doesn’t condone the attack, labeling it as terrorism would be inaccurate.
Elahi drew comparisons to historical resistance movements in Europe, arguing that Hamas’s actions should be viewed in the context of their struggle against Israeli occupation. He likened Hamas to the partisans of Yugoslavia during World War II, emphasizing that ‘resistance groups’ are recognized under international law. He stated, ‘If you compare the operation of Hamas with the partisans of Yugoslavia during the Second War, with the partisans of different countries in Europe, you cannot call them terrorists. They were partisans.’
The ambassador further stressed the need to understand the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, arguing that many are unaware of the complexities of the region’s history. He highlighted the historical grievances of Palestinians, particularly the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. When asked about the loss of civilian lives during the attack, he pointed to the fact that all Israeli citizens are required to serve in the military, implying a certain level of preparedness for conflict.
Elahi also brought up the issue of Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory, claiming that certain areas of Lebanon, such as the village of Ghajar, remain under Israeli control. He expressed frustration that this aspect of the conflict often goes unnoticed while Hezbollah, a Lebanese political and militant group, is routinely labeled as a terrorist organization.
Elahi’s comments have sparked considerable debate and criticism. While some argue that his perspective sheds light on the complexities of the conflict and the historical grievances of Palestinians, others criticize his justification of Hamas’s actions. The attack, widely condemned by the international community, remains a key catalyst in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and the broader Middle East crisis. Following the attack, Israel launched a ground operation in the Gaza Strip, prompting retaliation from Hamas and Hezbollah. The situation remains volatile, with the international community struggling to find a path towards peace and stability in the region.
