TEHRAN: Iran’s Minister of Defence, Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani, on Sunday warned that the United States (US) would face severe consequences if it failed to enforce a ceasefire in Gaza, as reported by the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Ashtiani urged Washington to immediately halt the conflict in Gaza, cautioning that the US would “be hit hard” if it did not take immediate action to end the violence.
The statement comes amidst a brutal Israeli military campaign against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip. The conflict has resulted in a devastating loss of life, with the Gaza health ministry reporting a death toll of at least 9,770 innocent Palestinians, including 4,800 children, since Israel initiated its bombardment of the enclave.
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During a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Ramallah, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing them as “genocide” and decrying the destruction suffered by the Palestinian people. Abbas expressed his dismay at the disregard for international law exhibited by Israel’s military offensive.
In solidarity with the Palestinian cause, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the “immoral, unscrupulous, despicable massacre” in Gaza.
