Iran-Palestine Relations in 2024

Abstract

As expected, Iran-Palestine relations in 2024 evolved in tandem with developments following October 7. The assassination of Hamas’ political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran was among the most significant events shaping their bilateral relations this year. It was a year in which Iran’s security vulnerabilities became increasingly evident, leading to a considerable loss of prestige and criticism over its insufficient deterrence against Israel. Israel’s targeted killings of senior commanders from both Hamas and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) further incentivized Iran and Palestinian factions to strengthen their cooperation against Israel. Iran’s military responses- though largely symbolic- against Israel in April and October, named “Operation True Promise” and “Operation True Promise-2”, along with Israel’s retaliatory strikes, marked the first year of direct military confrontation between the two nations. While this study primarily examines high-level meetings between Iranian and Palestinian officials and the rhetoric emerging from these discussions, it also highlights key events that have directly impacted both nations and fostered areas of mutual interest.