Hamas, the Palestinian armed group running the Gaza Strip, has issued a rare and unexpected appeal to its primary benefactor, urging Iran to stop its military strikes against neighboring Gulf states. In a formal statement released on Saturday, March 14, 2026, the group called on its "brothers in Iran" to avoid targeting regional nations, emphasizing the need for cooperation to "preserve the bonds of brotherhood." While Hamas reaffirmed Tehran’s right to defend itself against ongoing U.S.-Israeli strikes, the plea marks a significant diplomatic shift as the conflict threatens to destabilize the entire Middle East.
Concerns Over Regional "Brotherhood" and Civilian Toll
Tehran has maintained that its retaliatory drone and missile strikes are directed solely at "American installations" on Gulf soil. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story, with numerous attacks hitting civilian infrastructure and causing casualties across the region. The human cost of the past two weeks of Iranian strikes has been significant:
UAE & Kuwait: Each country has reported 6 deaths.
Oman, Saudi Arabia, & Bahrain: Each has reported 2 deaths.
Total Toll: At least 18 people have been killed, mostly security personnel and foreign workers.
Hamas stated it is following the war with "deep concern" and urged international organizations to work toward an immediate cessation of hostilities. This move is seen as an attempt to balance its loyalty to Iran with its relationships with Turkey and Qatar, both of whom have also come under Iranian fire recently despite providing substantial support to the Palestinian cause.
The Strained "Axis of Resistance"
Iran remains Hamas's most vital supporter, providing the funding, weapons, and political backing that sustained the group during its two-year war with Israel. Hamas is a core member of Iran’s "Axis of Resistance," a coalition built to counter Western and Israeli influence. The group previously condemned the February 28 assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as a "heinous crime," yet it can no longer ignore the collateral damage being dealt to its other regional allies.
This internal friction within the axis highlights the complexity of the current war, where the lines between "resistance" and regional stability are becoming increasingly blurred. Iran has yet to issue a public response to the Hamas statement.
Gaza’s Fragile Ceasefire and Ongoing Violations
Gaza itself remains in a state of precarious calm. Although a U.S.-imposed ceasefire has been in effect since October 2025, the Hamas-run health ministry reports that 649 people have been killed in the Strip due to near-daily violations. Both Israel and Hamas continue to trade accusations of breaking the agreement as negotiations for the later phases of a permanent deal remain stalled.
The appeal to Iran suggests that Hamas is wary of being dragged back into a full-scale regional conflagration while Gaza is still reeling from years of devastation. By calling for a halt to attacks on Gulf neighbors, Hamas is attempting to position itself as a rational regional actor, even as it relies on the very missiles it is asking Tehran to hold back.
Summary: Hamas has urged its ally Iran to stop targeting Gulf states, citing the need for regional unity. While supporting Iran's right to retaliate against the U.S. and Israel, Hamas expressed concern over the 18 deaths caused by Iranian strikes in the UAE, Kuwait, and other neighbors. This rare diplomatic move comes as Gaza struggles under a fragile ceasefire that has seen 649 deaths since October despite international efforts to end the violence.