Friday, November 24, 2023

Iran threatens to escalate the war

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Thursday held a series of high-level meetings in Lebanon that focused on the consequences of the war in Gaza and the strategy of the fight against Israel.

Abdollahian met with Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah which continues its daily attacks against Israel on the northern border, with Nabih Berri, the speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, and with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

In a message on X, Abdollahian said that Israel is waging a war of "extermination" against the Palestinian Arab people in the Gaza Strip and Judea and Samaria, is committing flagrant violations of human rights and is expelling Palestinian Arabs against their will.

"Continuing the ceasefire could prevent the further expansion of the war," wrote the Iranian foreign minister, referring to the short ceasefire agreed between Israel and Hamas, in which hostages will be freed in exchange for the release of security prisoners.

Abdollahian also sent a threatening message to Israel. "During my meeting with the leaders of the resistance (organizations), it became clear to me that if the war crimes and mass extermination by Israel continue, then the scenario will be implemented in which the campaign will be more aggressive and complex."

"We continue our diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the violence and mass extermination at the hands of the Zionists," he said.