Iranian President Addresses Palestinians in Gaza for the First Time

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi delivered a virtual speech to a pro-Palestinian rally in Gaza, urging Palestinians to continue their struggle against Israel. The speech was seen as an effort to mend the rift between Hamas and Iran over the Syrian civil war. Raisi dismissed the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, which seeks Palestinian statehood through negotiations with Israel. The speech was delivered on "Jerusalem Day," which falls on the final Friday of Ramadan. Hamas leader Yehiyeh Sinwar praised the recent rocket fire from Gaza towards Israel during the rally.