IRGC Commander Calls For War Amidst Israel-Hamas Truce Extension

"We fight against America, Israel, and anyone who challenges the grandeur of the Islamic Republic," said the Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami on Thursday, repeating a well-trodden narrative against Iran's archenemies.

It is the latest rally cry amidst the war between Israel and Hamas, initiated by the Hamas invasion on October 7, which resulted in at least 1,200, mostly civilians losing their lives, and an additional 240 taken hostage. Retaliatory attacks have left over 15,000 dead in Gaza, with hundreds of thousands displaced.

The current ceasefire, initially set to expire, has been extended by one day, meaning a further 10 hostages and three bodies will be returned to Israel and around 30 more Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails released. The extension comes after Israel received a list of women and children for potential release, according to the Israeli government.

Iran, a long-time supporter of Hamas both financially and militarily, has refrained from direct involvement in the Gaza war beyond its leaders and commanders' rally cries and incitement. However, its proxy forces continue attacks, citing perceived US support for Israel. At least 60 attacks on US forces have taken place since October 7, and Israel has come under attack from proxy militias in Yemen, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq.

Critics of US President Joe Biden argue that his Iran policy has emboldened the regime and its proxies, who perceive minimal consequences for their actions. While the US military has launched less than a handful of retaliatory attacks in Syria and Iraq, Iran's Revolutionary Guard, controlling proxy forces, has not been targeted.