Ayatollah Khamenei praises Palestinian patience to force Israel to back down

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, has praised the courage and sacrifices of the Palestinian people, highlighting their steadfast resistance against the prolonged Israeli aggression that ultimately led to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and compelled the Israeli regime to retreat.

In a statement posted on his X social media account on Thursday, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed his sentiments shortly after the announcement of a long-anticipated truce agreement, which aims to conclude 16 months of severe Israeli attacks on Gaza.

“Today, the global community has witnessed that the endurance of the Palestinian people and the steadfastness of their resistance have compelled the Zionist regime to withdraw,” the Leader remarked.

“It will be recorded in history that a Zionist faction perpetrated atrocities against thousands of women and children in the most brutal manner, only to be ultimately defeated.”

The ceasefire, facilitated by Qatar and Egypt, was announced by Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani late on Wednesday. It is structured in three phases and is set to commence on Sunday, lasting for a total of 42 days.

This truce agreement, which has the potential to halt Israel's devastating campaign against the region, includes provisions for a significant prisoner exchange, involving the release of 1,000 prisoners from Gaza and numerous detainees serving long sentences.

The initial phase entails the release of 33 captives, which includes "children, women, female soldiers, men over 50, and those who are wounded or ill," alongside a gradual and partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area.

Israel initiated its aggressive campaign in Gaza on October 7, 2023, following a historic operation by Hamas-led resistance groups in retaliation for the escalating atrocities committed by the occupying entity.