Tasnim� A leader of the Palestinian Resistance Movement, Hamas, hailed top Iranian commander Major General Qassem Soleimani for offering unconditional support for Palestinian forces in defending the holy city of al-Quds (Jerusalem).

In an interview with Al-Mayadeen TV, Yahya Sinwar, Hamas� chief in the Gaza Strip, admired Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force Major General Soleimani for assuring Palestinian groups of Iran�s unwavering support in protecting Quds and maintaining the holy city as the capital of Palestine.

The top Iranian commander has not set any conditions for supporting the Palestinian groups, Sinwar added, saying he has offered to provide Palestine with whatever support is necessary in defending Quds.

The official further voiced Hamas� readiness to work with any party willing to help Palestine, contribute to its stability and help relieve the pains of the Palestinian nation.

Earlier in December, General Soleimani had a telephone conversation with commanders of Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades -the armed wing of Hamas- and commander of the Islamic Jihad Brigades in Gaza, expressing Iran�s readiness to provide the Palestinian Islamic resistance forces with whatever support necessary in defending Al-Aqsa Mosque in the holy city of Quds.

The top general noted that other resistance forces in the region are also ready to defend Al-Aqsa Mosque.

It came against a backdrop of protests across the Palestinian territories following US President Donald Trump�s decision to recognize Quds as the capital of the Israeli regime.

Israel has occupied East Quds since the 1967 Middle East war. It annexed the area in 1980 and sees it as its exclusive domain. Under international law, the area is considered to be occupied territory.