Victory in Gaza: How Gen. Soleimani’s Legacy Shaped the Conflict

Throughout his remarkable life, especially during the “Al-Aqsa Intifada” starting in 2000 until his tragic assassination in 2020, Maj Gen. Qassem Soleimani played a crucial role in supporting Palestine and its people. Known as the ‘Martyr of al-Quds,’ Soleimani’s unwavering dedication to the Palestinian cause has been acknowledged by various leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh, the late Hamas leader, who emphasized that Soleimani sacrificed himself for Palestine. This article delves into the significant contributions made by Gen. Soleimani to the Palestinian resistance and how his efforts have shaped the ongoing struggle for liberation.

Upon his appointment as commander of the “Quds Force,” Gen. Soleimani became intimately familiar with various Palestinian resistance movements. His involvement deepened over the years, culminating in his active participation with Hamas and the Islamic Jihad’s joint operations room during the 2008 Israeli aggression.

During a pivotal communication in 2017, Major General Soleimani expressed unwavering support for the Palestinian resistance. He declared to Martyr Yahya al-Sinwar, leader of Hamas, that:

“Iran, the Revolutionary Guards, and the al-Quds Force all stand with our people with everything they possess, in defense of al-Quds so that it remains the State of Palestine’s capital.”

Gen. Soleimani made it clear that he expected nothing in return for his support, reinforcing his commitment to the Palestinian struggle.

His passion for Palestine was evident when he told al-Sinwar:

“I love Palestine. I love al-Quds. I love everything that would enhance the steadfastness of the Palestinian people.”

Despite the severe blockade on the Gaza Strip, Gen. Soleimani was relentless in his efforts to train resistance forces in the production of long-range missiles. Ziad al-Nakhalah, Secretary General of Islamic Jihad, highlighted Soleimani’s hands-on approach:

• “Martyr Soleimani supervised and managed the procedures of smuggling the missiles.”
• “He traveled to multiple countries, including Sudan, to facilitate agreements for transporting missiles to Gaza.”
• “The logistics were complex, involving extensive land and sea routes.”

According to Al-Nakhalah, all classical and long-range weapons that reached Gaza were due to the efforts of Martyr Qassem Soleimani. He noted that even during wartime in 2012, they managed to acquire Kornet missiles.

Abu Hamza, spokesman for the al-Quds Brigades, stated that for nearly two decades, Soleimani was instrumental in:

• “Overseeing Iran’s direct support for Palestine.”
• “Transferring military and security expertise to Palestinian fighters.”

Khaled al-Qaddoumi, Hamas’ representative in Iran, described Gen. Soleimani as a pivotal figure both militarily and politically. He acknowledged that Soleimani’s contributions were crucial in:

• “Strengthening the Palestinian resistance on various fronts.”
• “Facilitating the transfer of weapons.”

Gen. Soleimani also played a significant role in aiding the Palestinian resistance in constructing tunnel networks. Ahmed Abdul-Hadi, Hamas’ representative in Lebanon, confirmed:

“The idea of the tunnels has been basically proposed by two people, Martyr commander Imad Mughniyeh and Martyr Hajj Qassem Soleimani.”

Abdul-Hadi further stated that Soleimani visited Gaza multiple times to contribute to defense strategies.

In a revealing interview with Al Jazeera, Mansour Haqiqatpour, a former assistant to Gen. Soleimani, asserted that:

“The Gaza tunnels will remain a nightmare for the occupation regime.”

Haqiqatpour explained that Soleimani had strategically planned tunnel networks extending over 400 Km² and designed to enhance the resistance’s capabilities in Gaza.

On January 1, 2024, Osama Hamdan, a prominent Hamas leader, reiterated Soleimani’s influential role in the ongoing battle known as Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. He emphasized that the testimonies from various Palestinian resistance leaders consistently highlight Soleimani’s unwavering support for their cause.

Sayyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, has frequently acknowledged Gen. Soleimani’s commitment to Palestine. He stated:

“Soleimani provided the Palestinians with all their military needs, helping a small area like the Gaza Strip confront the Zionist entity.”

Khamenei remarked that, thanks to Soleimani’s efforts, the Zionists faced tremendous challenges, forcing them to seek a ceasefire within just 48 hours.

In summary, the legacy of Maj Gen. Qassem Soleimani as a staunch ally of the Palestinian cause continues to resonate. His strategic planning, military support, and personal commitment have left an indelible mark on the struggle for Palestinian liberation, solidifying his status as a revered figure in the hearts of many.