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The Palestinian militant group Hamas has warned the Iranian regime not to attack neighboring countries as US-Israeli strikes continue.
Iran has already struck targets in multiple neighbouring countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.
“While the group affirms Iran’s right to respond to this aggression by all available means in accordance with international norms and laws, it calls upon our brothers in Iran not to target neighboring countries,” Hamas said.
This is the first time Hamas has commented publicly on Iranian policies.
Hamas also called on countries in the region and international organizations to agree on an immediate end to the war.
Israel and Hamas agreed a ceasefire in Gaza that has been in effect since October. Despite the ceasefire, there have been regular attacks launched by both sides.
President Trump recently began the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, which includes the creation of a Board of Peace to oversee the territory, with Trump himself as its head. The Board had its first meeting recently.
Other Iranian-backed militant groups in the region have participated in direct attacks against Israel since Operation Epic Fury began.
On Wednesday, Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, sent hundreds of missiles against Israel.
Planning for a huge Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon is currently underway.
Israeli and US officials who spoke to Axios said the entire region south of the Litani river has been marked for occupation, with the aim of dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure.
The operation could be the largest since the disastrous 2006 invasion.
“We are going to do what we did in Gaza,” a senior Israeli official said, making reference to the leveling of buildings Israel says Hezbollah is using to store weapons and launch attacks.
According to Axios, while the US government supports an operation against Hezbollah, it is also urging the Israeli government to limit damage to the Lebanese state and look to hold direct talks with the Lebanese government about a postwar settlement.
“Before this attack [on Wednesday] we were ready for a ceasefire in Lebanon, but after it there is no way back from a massive operation,” a senior Israeli official said.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) already have three armored and infantry divisions on the border with Lebanon, and will now send additional troops to join them.
The IDF has issued an evacuation order for southern Lebanon, as well as Hezbollah strongholds around the capital, Beirut.
On Friday, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said there is now “no solution except resistance.”
“When the enemy threatens a ground invasion, we tell him: this is not a threat, but one of the traps you will fall into,” Qassem said.
“Because every advance of a ground invasion allows the resistance fighters to achieve gains and results through close confrontation with the enemy.”
Lebanon’s government has indicated its readiness to hold immediate talks with Israel, without any preconditions.
