Iran strongly condemned Israeli military operations in Gaza Strip, labeling them as unprecedented crimes and holding Western allies accountable, such as the US and UK, directly responsible. Iran made this statement following reports of increased Israeli airstrikes resulting in civilian casualties at refugee shelters and medical facilities as well as attacks against refugee shelters and medical facilities reportedly attacked by Israel. PressTV reports. Iran Issues Official Statement Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, issued a statement on Saturday condemning Israel for ongoing attacks and crimes committed in Gaza in recent days. He demanded an end to ethnic cleansing of Palestinians and Israeli leaders’ impunity; their prosecution and punishment must also take place. Baghaei strongly condemned Israel for their ongoing and unprecedented crimes against defenseless Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, particularly their brutal assaults against temporary shelters and medical centers in Gaza that have resulted in hundreds of casualties over recent days. He highlighted how this crime falls directly under their military and political supporters’ responsibility; specifically the US and UK governments. Anadolu Ajansi +4, Mehr News Agency and PressTV each received four votes. Iranian Foreign Ministry Alleges Forced Displacement According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Israel’s intensified military campaign aims at forcibly dislocating Gaza’s population and imposing “illegitimate demands” upon Palestinian people. Baghaei pointed out that these actions form part of a strategy designed to alter demographic composition within this region through forced population transfers. IRNA English/PressTV coverage can be found below Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently voiced criticism against U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments during his Middle East tour, accusing him of hypocrisy and power grab. Khamenei stated that America uses its military might to provide Israeli with bombs with which they drop on Gaza children – in effect using American power against its own citizens! Likewise he described Trump’s comments as an embarrassment both to himself and American society (Reuters). Regional and International Implications The current conflict has drawn international concern, prompting condemnations by various humanitarian organizations such as the UN. Although they have demanded ceasefires and humanitarian access for humanitarian assistance, conditions on the ground remain dire, with reports of overwhelmed hospitals and crucial shortages in Gaza. The Guardian (+1). Iran’s strong condemnation of Israel’s military actions in Gaza serves to increase tensions in the Middle East and signal intensifying conflict in the region. International actors have called for de-escalation and humanitarian relief efforts; yet this region stands on a critical juncture with potentially far reaching effects for peace and stability.
