What happened
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was confirmed dead on Monday after his helicopter crashed in a fog-covered mountainous region in western Iran. Despite longstanding ties with Palestinian groups, his death sparked little sorrow among Gazans.
Why it matters
Raisi had claimed to support Palestinian resistance, but many Gazans believe he failed to alleviate their plight. This sentiment highlights the broader discontent and sense of abandonment felt in Gaza, even by allies who are supposed to champion their cause.
The Big Picture
The Palestinian region, particularly Gaza, continues to suffer from severe conflict and humanitarian crises. While Hamas, backed by Iran, lauded Raisi’s support, locals feel neglected and unrelated to his efforts. Rather than mourning Raisi, Gazans emphasize the daily struggles and lack of concrete international support.
Voices from Gaza
“He never supported us, never kept his promises, never called for a ceasefire, and never stood by us. He does not concern us at all,” said Naji Khodeir, a resident of Deir al-Balah. Displaced Gazan Bilal Khodary echoed these sentiments, stating, “He means nothing to us and nothing to Gaza.”
Meanwhile, Iran’s position on the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel—which led to significant casualties and a severe Israeli military response—remains contentious. Despite previous statements from Iran, locals in Gaza feel more burdened by the subsequent humanitarian disaster than political affiliations or leadership changes in Iran.
Current situation in Gaza
The death toll and devastation in Gaza have reached alarming levels, with over 35,000 presumed dead or injured amid ongoing conflict. Aid groups continue to call attention to the dire humanitarian conditions. “I only grieve for my people who die every day, for the thousands of victims and martyrs who are falling, and for the fact that no one cares about us,” expressed Roba al-Azaiza.
Similarly, Hossam Abdallah questioned why Gazans should care about Raisi, stating, “With all this destruction and devastation we’ve faced, no country has paid attention to us. Why should I care about this man when he has only brought us ruin?”
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.