On December 28, 2008, the leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, called on Muslims to defend Palestinians after Israel's attack on the Gaza Strip in retaliation to rockets fired by Hamas. Although the Ayatollah said that Muslims were "duty-bound" to defend the Palestinian people, he stopped short of issuing a fatwa, or a formal religious pronouncement.LA Times: Iran supreme leader urges Muslims worldwide to defend Palestinians (December 29, 2008)

Hamas won the majority of Parliament seats in the Palestinian elections in January, 2006, taking the majority away from ruling party Fatah.Washington Post: Hamas Sweeps Palestinian Elections, Complicating Peace Efforts in Mideast (January 27, 2006) Hamas has been in control of the Gaza Strip since an offensive in June, 2007 that led to the dissolution of the Fatah and Hamas unity government.USA Today: Hamas takes control of Gaza Strip (June 15, 2007)

"All true believers in the world of Islam and Palestinian fighters are duty-bound to defend the defenseless women and children in Gaza Strip, and those giving their lives in carrying out such a divine duty are martyrs..." — Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali KhameneiLA Times: Iran supreme leader urges Muslims worldwide to defend Palestinians (December 29, 2008)