In the centre raising up conflict between Israel and Hamas, Iran has issued a stark warning to Israel, waring against a potential ground invasion of Gaza. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stressed the possibility of opening new fronts in the conflict if the efforts to stop Israeli attacks resulting in civilian casualties fail. He asserted that if Israel proceeds with a ground invasion, the resistance forces in Gaza would turn it into a graveyard for Israeli soldiers. The conflict intensified following an unusual attack by the Palestinian armed group, Hamas, on Israeli territory on October 7. Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in a devastating toll, with over 2,670 casualties, a quarter of them children, and nearly 10,000 others wounded. This violence has forced approximately one million people, almost half of Gaza’s population, to flee their homes. On the Israeli side, at least 1,400 people, including soldiers and foreign nationals, have lost their lives.
Iran, while denying direct involvement in the Hamas assault, engaged in diplomatic efforts to halt Israeli attacks. Amir-Abdollahian held discussions with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar, where they agreed to continue cooperation. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei pointed out the duty of all Islamic nations to support the Palestinians. Amidst these tensions, Saudi Arabia paused normalization talks with Israel, and Iran warned Israel through the UN, expressing a desire to prevent further rapid increase. Israel, expecting potential conflicts, closed its border with Lebanon and targeted airports in Syria to hold up potential Iranian mobilization.
Iranian media extensively covered the conflict, highlighting Palestinian resistance and criticizing Israel’s actions. Conservative newspapers in Iran warned of dire consequences for Israel in the event of a ground assault, including heavy casualties, international pressure, and regional isolation. Reformist media outlets condemned Israel’s actions, describing the situation in Gaza as dire, with millions at risk and Israel’s use of illegal weapons. The political landscape inside Israel also faced challenges due to actions by the resistance forces. Iran strongly condemned Israeli actions and warned against further escalation in the Gaza conflict. The situation remains highly volatile, with diplomatic efforts underway to ease the crisis. The region is on edge, and international concerns continue to grow about the humanitarian crisis and the potential for a broader regional conflict. The warnings from Iran reflect the escalating tension and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to prevent further loss of life and address the pressing humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
