Islamic Jihad confirms Gaza missiles are from Iran

Asharq Al-Awsat,

22 November 2012

LONDON, Nov 22: Islamic Jihad commander, Ramadan Abdullah Shallah, yesterday revealed that the missiles being launched by Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip into Israel were either Iranian made or had been purchased thanks to money from Tehran.

Shallah, speaking during an interview with Al-Jazeera TV, confirmed that “the weapons that are being used today to resist this Israeli aggression and arrogance…come mainly from Iran” adding “the weapons are either Iranian manufactured, or their purchase has been funded by Iran.” The Islamic Jihad commander also said “the entire world knows this and it is no secret”.

He also stressed that “if there is a difference of opinion with Iran regarding what is happening in Syria, I do not think that there is any difference of opinion between ourselves and Iran – as the Islamic resistance – regarding what is happening in Palestine or in the Gaza Strip.”

Shallah also called on the Arab states to arm the Palestinian factions. He stressed that “regarding the symbolic Palestine, we are 100 percent with Iran. Iran has given us all the support, aid and assistance.”

However he added that “it is not reasonable that arming the resistance in Gaza should be limited to or monopolized by Iranian arms… we want arms from all the Arab states.” He stressed that “it is important that the Palestinians should have arms to defend themselves.”

For his part, Islamic Jihad deputy leader, Ziad Nakhaleh, speaking to Iran’s Arabic language Al-Alam TV, confirmed that the missiles launched by his movement during Operation Pillar of Defense were manufactured in Iran and given “generously and with great effort” to the Palestinian people.

He added that the Fajr-3 and Fajr-5 missiles “donated” by Iran have “returned the pride to the Palestinian people.”

Nakhaleh said “this wonderful weapon had proven its important role in battle. It has tilted the balance of power and proven to the Israelis that we can bomb their cities like they bomb ours, and bomb their army camps like they bomb our children.”

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said that all countries, particularly Muslim states, should provide assistance to the people of Gaza.

Responding to a question as to whether Tehran had armed the Palestinian factions with Fajr missiles, he said “you should ask military officials which country made these missiles. But the Palestinian people should be aware of their rights, and it is the duty of all countries to support them.”

He added “it is necessary that all countries take the measures necessary to defend the oppressed Palestinian people when the well-equipped Zionist regime commits crimes.”

Mehmanparast also claimed that “now that they (the Zionists) have faced a strong defense by the people of Gaza and have been taken aback, they are seeking a ceasefire” adding “we are in full preparedness to defend ourselves and it is the Zionist regime that has become desperate.”

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