As U.S. observers increasingly see Tehran’s hand in the escalating violence in Gaza, Iranian state media reported that the top Quds Force commander on Saturday pledged full support to Hamas in its fight against Israel.

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General Esmail Qaani, who succeeded Qasem Soleimani as head of the elite branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IGRC), affirmed the support in a May 15 phone call with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who thanked Iran for the patronage.  . . .

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The declarations come amid fresh observations from experts who note the extent of Iran’s help to the group that has been designated by the United States, the European Union, and others as a terrorist organization. . . .

Iran wants Israel to be bogged down in a ground war in Gaza, Oren said, in order to force Tel Aviv to turn away from regional problems involving Tehran. . . .

Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday said that Tehran clearly has tipped its hand regarding Israel.

“The Iranians have made clear they have genocidal intent,” Pompeo said on a New York talk show appearance. “They want to wipe Israel off the face of the planet, and they use proxy forces — people like the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas.”

Iran smuggles missiles to both groups, Oren said, noting that the weapons are directly tied to the IRGC. . . .

The modern conflict between Israelis and Palestinians traces to events in the 19th century, and stems from rivalry over the Holy Land in the Middle East, a region that is important to Christians, Jews, and Muslims. The conflict centers on a number of issues, particularly territorial rights. Regional conflict between Jews and Arabs has erupted frequently since Israel was established in 1948.

Over the decades, American administrations have aimed to broker peace, to little lasting avail.

The latest outbreak erupted last month over a number of flash points, including gatherings in Jerusalem during Ramadan.  . . .

The increased attacks aimed at Israel result from President Joe Biden reverting to practices that did not work under President Barack Obama, according to Pompeo.  . . .

The Obama administration paid Iran “150 billion all-in,” Pompeo said, and now the Biden administration is considering paying for hostages to be released.

The policy change sends a direct message to a calculating Tehran, according to one Israeli professor who spoke to Just the News from Tel Aviv. . . .

In terms of a ground war between Israelis and Palestinians, meanwhile, Iran could reap additional benefits, Oren said. . . .

An American diplomat remained in the region, hoping to de-escalate the conflict that entered its eighth day as of Monday. . . .

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(Excerpt from Just the News. Article by Susan Katz Keating. Photo Credit: Getty Images.)