In response to an IRGC statement that the October 7 Hamas attack was part of a retaliation for the 2020 assassination of IRGC Quds Force leader Qasem Soleimani:
“We have repeatedly confirmed the motives and reasons for the operation of the Flood of al-Aqsa, and foremost are the dangers that threaten al-Aqsa Mosque. We also confirm that all acts of Palestinian resistance come in response to the Zionist occupation and its ongoing aggression against our people and our holy sites.”Jerusalem Post staff and Reuters, “October 7 massacre was retaliation for Soleimani killing, Iran says – report,” Jerusalem Post, December 27, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-779705.