The follower presented another question regarding Islam’s position on harming Israelis, wondering whether “Hamas and Jihad actions against civilians are forbidden. He also asked: “What about children killed in these attacks?”

The Iranian Ayatollah did not see fit to forbid the killing of children, only noting that Israelis can be harmed unless they openly express their objection to their government’s position. He added that even in such cases, harming civilians is permissible “if they constitute a human shield or when the war against the oppressors hinges on attacking these civilians.”

Beyond these insights, the cleric did not offer further instructions and failed to censure the killing of children.