TEHRAN: Iran has issued a warning about the potential for an “uncontrollable explosion” of the situation in the Middle East following the United States’ veto of a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza war. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran’s top diplomat, raised concerns about the veto and urged the immediate opening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt to facilitate humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
The Gaza war, initiated by Hamas, Palestinian Islamist group, witnessed an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties, mostly civilians, and around 240 hostages, according to Israeli officials. In response, Israel, supported by the United States, launched an offensive with a vow to eliminate Hamas, leading to over 17,400 reported casualties in the Palestinian territory, primarily civilians.
The recent US veto of a Security Council resolution aimed at an immediate ceasefire has heightened tensions. The US argued that the resolution would leave Hamas in a position to repeat its actions. Amir-Abdollahian expressed concern about the US support for Israel’s actions, stating that it poses a risk of an uncontrollable escalation in the region.
In a phone call with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Amir-Abdollahian commended Guterres’s decision to use Article 99 of the UN Charter, considering it a brave action to maintain international peace and security. The situation remains volatile, with fighting resuming between Israel and Hamas on December 1, following a one-week truce that Israel claims was violated by Hamas. The ongoing developments raise concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further escalation.
