Source: Press TV, 16-01-2009

The following is the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei's letter to Hamas leader Ismail Hanieh in which the Leader praises the bravery of resistance fighters in the Gaza Strip.

In the Name of God the Compassionate and the Merciful
To the Hamas leader Ismail Hanieh
"Peace be unto you and so may the mercy of Allah and His blessings"

The 20-day perseverance of you, the courageous resistance fighters and the people of Gaza against one of the most atrocious war crimes in the history of the world has hoisted the flag of glory overhead the Islamic Ummah. You have proven that Muslim hearts filled with confidence in God and the Day of Judgment, which will not bow to oppression, can create such heroism that will bring the arrogant powers of the world and their well-equipped armies to their knees.

The army, which you have managed with your perseverance to keep outside Gaza City for the past 20 days, is the same army that took large portions of three Arab states in just six days.

You must be proud of your unshakable faith in God almighty and his promises, of your courage, patience and sacrifices, as today, the whole of the Muslim world is proud of it. Your resistance has brought shame on the US, the Zionist regime and their supporters in the United Nations and in certain Islamic countries.

Today, not only Muslim nations, but also many European and American nations have acknowledged your righteousness. In our eyes, you are victorious today and with the continuation of your resistance, you will further bring shame to the enemy.

You must remember that "Your Lord has not forsaken you, nor has He become displeased," and that "Soon your Lord will give you so that you shall be well pleased," God willing.

But even so the atrocities committed in Gaza and the death of innocent Palestinians, especially the children, has deeply saddened us. Our entire nation is in mourning because of the crimes committed by the occupiers of Palestine which are broadcast from our television channels everyday.

I pray to God for a speedy victory. As God almighty never goes back on his promises and has said "And surely Allah will help him who helps His cause; most surely Allah is Strong, Mighty" and "Those who strive, strive for their own good"....

Those among the Arab world who have committed treachery must know that a fate no better than that of the Jewish people involved in the battle of the clans will befall them, as God almighty has said "He also brought down their allies among the people of the scripture from their secure positions."

The nations of the world stand beside the people and resistance fighters of Gaza. Any government that goes against the will of its nation will further distance itself from its people and the fate of such government is obvious.

They must remember that the Commander of the Faithful Ali ibn Abi Talib has said "Living a life of defeat is death and a death with dignity is life."
I salute you and the resistance fighters of Gaza and the oppressed and resistant people of Gaza.
Aside from the Islamic Republic of Iran's efforts to aid you, which we have viewed it as our duty, I pray for you day and night. I wish you patience and victory from God almighty.
"Peace be unto you and unto every pious person so may the mercy of Allah and His blessings"
Sayyed Ali Khamenei