The Iranian Foreign Minister squared up to the United States in a sensational outburst at the UN General Assembly on October 26, warning Americans they will “not be spared from this fire”.
Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said in New York that if Israel’s response to the terrorism committed by Hamas did not come to an end then the US would feel the consequences.
He told the 193-member session at the General Assembly: “I say frankly to the American statesmen, who are now managing the genocide in Palestine, that we do not welcome (an) expansion of the war in the region. But if the genocide in Gaza continues, they will not be spared from this fire”.
Israel has vowed to take Hamas out, after terrorists from the group killed 1,400 of its citizens and took hundreds of hostages on October 7.
Since then Benjamin Netanyahu’s military has struck Gaza with aerial strikes as the IDF prepares a possible ground invasion.
The Iranian Foreign Minister added: “The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to play its part in this very important humanitarian endeavour, along with Qatar and Turkey. Naturally, the release of the 6,000 Palestinian prisoners is another necessity and responsibility of the global community.”
The US, Canada and UN called for a “humanitarian pause” on October 24, to allow essential medical supplies, food, water and electricity to get into the Gaza Strip.
A top US official said: “While we remain opposed to a ceasefire, we think humanitarian pauses linked to the delivery of aid that still allow Israel to conduct military operations to defend itself are worth consideration.”
On Tuesday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres sparked outrage when he accused Israel of “clear violations of international humanitarian law”.
Striking a different tone, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the UN Security Council: “Palestinian civilians are not to blame for the carnage committed by Hamas.
“Palestinian civilians must be protected. That means Hamas must cease using them as human shields … It means Israel must take all possible precautions to avoid harm to civilians.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a similar statement to his American counterpart: “There are a lot of conversations going on now about the need for humanitarian pauses and I think that’s something Canada supports.
“We must remain anchored on the priorities of protecting innocent (people) and freeing the hostages.”
Israel has hit out after the Iranian deputy foreign minister met with Hamas bosses in Moscow. Russian state news agency Tass reported the meeting, which Israel has branded “an act of support of terrorism”.
During Thursday’s meeting the representatives discussed a ceasefire and the provision of aid to Gaza.
Moscow has hit back saying that it is important to maintain dialogue with all parties.
Israeli forces have raided northern Gaza, running into Hamas fighters, in an attempt to “prepare the battlefield” prior to what many expect to be a ground invasion.
This is the third Israeli raid since the horrific terror attacks on October 7.
