Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has accused the US of waging a “proxy war against Palestinians” and warned of dire consequences if the bombardment of Gaza is not stopped and Israel launches a ground invasion.
The comments were made at a press conference with his South African counterpart Naledi Pandor in Tehran on Sunday.
China, Iran, Egypt, US and Yemen: Five Gaza-Related Developments You Need to Know
The Iranian diplomat said it was a “bitter and unfortunate reality” that US President Joe Biden made an “extraordinary wartime visit” to Tel Aviv to show support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government amid the bombardment of the besieged Gaza Strip and a lack of humanitarian aid.
🚨 #IRAN: Iranian FM Amir-Abdolloahian made two separate calls with the head of the #Hamas political bureau and the Secretary-General of Islamic Jihad.
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— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) October 23, 2023
“It’s a great shame that the American president announced that the US would dispatch hundreds of planes, ships, and trucks filled with military equipment to the occupied territories to support the mass murder that Israel is committing in Gaza but has managed to coordinate plans for only 20 trucks carrying humanitarian aid to enter the besieged enclave,” he noted.
Amir-Abdollahian called the situation in the region a “powder keg” and warned of “heavy and bitter consequences.”
“If the US and the Israeli regime do not stop their crimes against humanity immediately, there will be a possibility of anything at any moment and the region may spin out of control.”
Speaking to ABC News on Sunday, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also warned of “the prospect of a significant escalation.”
🚨 GAZA HEALTH MINISTRY: The number of Palestinians killed and wounded in the Israeli war on #Gaza rose to 5,087 killed, including 2,055 children and 1,119 women, and 15,273 wounded.
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— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) October 23, 2023
He vowed to do everything necessary to protect the American forces stationed in the region and continue Washington’s support for its longtime ally Israel.
On October 7, Israel launched its latest military aggression on the besieged and impoverished Gaza Strip. The number of Palestinians killed and wounded in the Israeli war on Gaza rose to over 5,000 killed, and over 15,000 wounded.
On October 9, Israel imposed a “total siege” on the Gaza Strip, blocking the entry of food, water, medicine, fuel, and electricity.
(PC, RT)
