In contradiction to several reports issued by leaders of the Palestinian security forces loyal to Fateh movement, Iran officially announced on Saturday that no Iranians were arrested on Friday by the P.A security forces at the Islamic University in Gaza.Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Iranian Supreme National Security council, described the reports as ‘blatant lies’.
The university is considered a stronghold for Hamas in Gaza. According to media reports, one of the Iranians was a general, and is believed to have been sent to train Hamas fighters.
After a meeting with Islamic Jihad Secretary-general, Ramadan Abdullah Shallah, Larijani addressed a press conference and denied the report. Shallah described the report as ‘a joke’. Moreover, Larijani said that the clashes between Hamas and Fateh must be stopped, adding that Iran is trying to reach an agreement between Fateh and Hamas.
He also stressed that ‘the current conflict is not in the Palestinians’ best interest, and we support Palestinian national unity’. Shallah also said that Iran is considered a central and senior country that helps Muslims around the globe, especially the Palestinians, in their struggle and their cause.
Commenting on the suicide bombing in Eilat last week, Shallah said that ‘suicide missions will continue as long as there is occupation’. The Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the bombing. ‘we have to defend ourselves’ Shallah stated, ‘suicide bombings are one of our ways, if the Zionist occupation continues, we will continue the bombings’.
