Iran's Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, has issued a stern message, asserting that the potential for a new phase in the Israel-Hamas conflict hinges on Israel's actions in Gaza.
Iran, a supporter of Hamas and other armed groups in the Middle East, underscores that if the mistreatment of Palestinians continues, it will trigger a response from what they refer to as "the rest of the axis," with Israel being held accountable for the consequences.
Speaking to the media upon his arrival in Beirut on Thursday, Amirabdollahian argues that the displacement of Palestinians and the disruption of water and electricity supplies to the Gaza Strip amount to acts constituting war crimes.
He emphasizes that the situation in Gaza qualifies as war crimes and could lead to potential action from their alliance, known as the Axis of Resistance, which includes Iran, Palestinian militant groups, Syria, Hezbollah, and others.
While Iran has a history of supporting Hamas, Iranian officials disavow any involvement in the recent Hamas attack on Israel. The United States has expressed concerns about the possibility of a second front opening on Israel's northern border with Lebanon if Hezbollah, another heavily armed group supported by Iran, becomes involved.
Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian, during discussions with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, made it clear that the decision to initiate a new front against Israel would depend on Israel's actions in Gaza.
He stressed that "even now, Israel’s violations persist, and no regional permission is sought to open new fronts." Subsequently, Amirabdollahian arrived in Beirut, where he was greeted by Hezbollah and Hamas, along with other pro-Iran groups. He indicated that Iran's regional allies, collectively known as the "axis of resistance," might respond if Israel's actions in Gaza escalate further.
In the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, there have been casualties on both sides. Hamas militants' attack on Saturday resulted in the loss of at least 1,200 Israelis, foreigners, and dual citizens, while Gaza reported that Israel's retaliatory strikes led to the death of 1,417 Palestinian individuals.
The international community remains vigilant about Iran's role and actions in the conflict, with U.S. President Joe Biden cautioning Iran to exercise restraint.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has also called for cooperation among Islamic and Arab countries to stop what they describe as "crimes of the Zionist regime against the oppressed Palestinian nation."