An Israeli soldier uncovers a Gaza terror tunnel during last summer's Gaza war. Reports indicate that Iran has sent tens of millions of dollars to Hamas to rebuild its network of tunnels. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

JNS.org – Iran has transferred tens of millions of dollars to Hamas to help the Palestinian terror group rebuild its network of tunnels destroyed by Israel during last summer’s Gaza war, according to a report in the U.K.’s Telegraph on Sunday.

Citing intelligence sources, The Telegraph also reported that Iran has also restored funding to new missile supplies to replenish stocks that were used up during the Gaza war.

Once close terror allies, Iran and Hamas had a falling out over the Syrian Civil War, which saw Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal leave Damascus for new headquarters in Qatar. However, the latest move may signal a return to strong ties between Iran and Hamas as Islamic Republic is stepping up its regional influence in areas such as Lebanon, Syria, Iraq Yemen and in Gaza.

At the same time, Sunni Arab states such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt have and announced the formation of a joint Arab army to counter the influence of Iran and fight Islamic extremism. Israel has also warned of Iranian expansionism in the region with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fearing that the Iran nuclear framework deal announced last week may strengthen its regional influence.