Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has issued a strong condemnation of the United States and Western countries for supplying arms and equipment to Israel, which has resulted in the death of nearly 9,500 people in the Gaza Strip. In a phone call with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Raisi expressed his deep concern over the ongoing conflict and called for an immediate end to the violence and the lifting of the siege on Gaza.
Raisi did not mince his words, describing the killing of civilians, especially children, as “ghastly” and a “flagrant instance of crime against humanity.” He pointed a finger at the US and some European countries, asserting that their silence and provision of arms to Israel are clear evidence of their double standards and complicity in Israel’s actions.
The Iranian President’s strong stance on the matter reflects the growing international concern over the situation in Gaza. Raisi called for urgent action to stop the war and the loss of innocent lives in the Gaza Strip. He also urged the international community to make concerted efforts to immediately lift the blockade on Gaza and facilitate the inflow of much-needed humanitarian aid.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store echoed the urgency of ending the violence and conflict in Gaza. During the call, he emphasized the potential for diplomatic channels and cooperation between Norway and Iran to find a solution to the protracted conflict.
The Israel-Hamas conflict, which has been ongoing for nearly a month, has exacted a heavy toll on the Palestinian population in Gaza, with a reported 9,488 Palestinian casualties. On the Israeli side, more than 1,400 people have lost their lives, with the majority falling victim to Hamas military attacks on Israel that initially sparked the conflict on October 7.
The international community has been closely monitoring the situation, with growing calls for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The exchange between President Raisi and Prime Minister Store highlights the need for diplomatic efforts and cooperation to bring an end to the violence in Gaza and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
As the world watches, the question remains: will international pressure and diplomacy lead to a resolution of the Gaza conflict, or will the violence persist, further deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region? The coming days will be critical in determining the path forward in this ongoing crisis, with Iran and Norway adding their voices to the call for an immediate ceasefire and a long-term solution.