BEIRUT (Lebanon): Iran has called for Israel to immediately cease its attacks on Gaza while warning Israel that the ongoing conflict could escalate to other parts of the Middle East if Lebanon-based group Hezbollah gets involved.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, speaking in Beirut, stated that Hezbollah has prepared for various war scenarios and called on Israel to halt its Gaza attacks immediately.
He further cautioned that if the conflict spreads to the Middle East, Israel may face “a huge earthquake.”
Amir-Abdollahian revealed that he had met with Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and gained insights into the group’s strategies.
He warned against further civilian casualties in Gaza and urged action to stop the violence.
The Iranian foreign minister issued a warning to “war criminals” and those supporting Israel and warned Israel to halt their actions before it becomes too late.
The Israeli military has indicated its readiness to “expand the attack” on Gaza as it is planning a wide range of offensive operations including “coordinated attacks from the air, sea, and land.”
Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza. He vowed that Palestinians in the besieged enclave “will never flee.”
These remarks followed a visit from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Israeli ground forces stationed near the Gaza Strip.
Read more: Gaza braces for Israeli ground assault, fears of conflict spreading grow
