Tehran, Oct 16 – Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi issued a stark warning on Sunday, cautioning about the potential expansion of the conflict if Israel persists in its attacks on the Gaza Strip. In a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Raisi condemned Israel’s recent actions against Palestinians and criticized the French government for hindering a rally in support of the Palestinian people.
Raisi stated, “If the Zionist regime seeks to pay for its defeat through the continuation of these crimes (against Palestinians), the dimensions of the developments will expand.” He strongly condemned Israel’s attacks over the past few days, expressing his concerns about the situation.
The French president voiced his apprehension regarding the escalating crisis in the Gaza Strip and urged Iran to play a significant role in controlling the situation in the region. However, Raisi emphasized that “resistance groups can decide for themselves.”
The ongoing conflict, now in its ninth day, has seen the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) launching a surprise attack involving thousands of rockets and the infiltration of militants into Israel on Oct. 7. This prompted extensive Israeli airstrikes on Gaza.
The toll from the conflict has been devastating, with approximately 4,000 casualties on both sides and numerous more wounded. The situation remains tense as international leaders navigate diplomatic efforts to address the crisis.
