US Won't Be Spared If Gaza Conflict Percolates, Iran Warns At UN

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian delivered a stern warning at the United Nations on Thursday, cautioning that if Israel's military actions against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip persist, the United States could face consequences.

Speaking at a meeting of the 193-member General Assembly focused on the Middle East, Amirabdollahian addressed American statesmen, accusing them of "managing the genocide in Palestine." He expressed a lack of enthusiasm for an escalation of conflict in the region but added, "if the genocide in Gaza continues, they will not be spared from this fire."

The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip stems from a 7 October attack, in which Israel vowed to eliminate Hamas, the militant group governing Gaza. The attack resulted in the death of 1,400 people and the capture of hundreds. In response, Israel has launched airstrikes, imposed a blockade and is reportedly preparing for a ground invasion. Palestinian authorities claim that the death toll has surpassed 7,000 individuals.

Amirabdollahian disclosed that Hamas had informed Iran of its readiness to release civilian hostages and appealed to the global community to advocate for the release of 6,000 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. He stressed, "The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to play its part in this very important humanitarian endeavor, along with Qatar and Turkey. Naturally, the release of the 6,000 Palestinian prisoners is another necessity and responsibility of the global community."