Iran: The “axis of resistance” will continue, according to Iran’s Supreme Commander Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who said on Saturday, October 19, that Hamas would continue to exist in spite of the passing of her commander Yahya Sinwar.

“His loss is undoubtedly painful for the axis of resistance, but this front did not cease advancing with the martyrdom of prominent figures,” Khamenei said in a statement. “Hamas is alive and will remain alive.”

After a year-long chase, Sinwar, the mastermind of Hamas’ assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, which started the Gaza War, was killed on Wednesday in a shootout with Israeli soldiers. His death was declared the next day.

He was a beacon of struggle and defiance. He faced the repressive and belligerent adversary with iron fortitude,” said Khamenei.

He delivered them the devastating blow of October 7 that will go down in our region’s history with bravery and prudence. Then he climbed to the martyrs’ skies with honor and joy.”

Built over years of Iranian assistance, the “axis of resistance” consists of the Shi’ite factions in Iraq and Syria, the Houthi movement in Yemen, Hamas, and the Lebanese group Hezbollah.

The organizations identify as the Middle East’s opposition against US and Israeli hegemony.

“As always, we will remain by the side of the sincere fighters and combatants, by God’s grace and help,” added Khamenei.

Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iran has considered supporting the Palestinian cause a cornerstone of its foreign policy. Iran does not recognize Israel, which it considers to be its sworn enemy.

Long a figure in the background, Sinwar became the leader of Hamas after the assassination of its leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran, the capital of Iran, in July.

Israel, which has never accepted responsibility for the massacre, has been largely held to be guilty.