TEHRAN – Iran has joined the country’s growth list, which has issued warnings about the Israeli-planned occupation of Gaza city, part of a besieged enclave that has endured merciless Israeli artillery fire for the past two years, killing more than 61,000 Palestinians.
In a statement released on Sunday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the Gaza occupation plan was part of Israel’s broader plans to “complete the Palestinian genocide” and “erased the Palestinian identity and existence.”
“This decision constitutes a serious violation of international law and a deliberate attempt to expand occupations across Palestinian territory occupied by occupation and military attacks and impose a new reality. Without a doubt, the new evacuation of Palestinians is defiantly condemned.”
Israeli security cabinet last week approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to “defeat Hamas.” The proposal orders Israeli forces to prepare to take control of Gaza city, according to a statement from the convicted War Criminal Office.
Hamas Resistance Group calls Israel’s expansionist program “war crimes” and emphasizes that Palestinians “resist the occupation and offensive forces.”
The decision sparked anger not only among Palestinians and regional countries, but also among the steady Western supporters of the regime.
On Friday, foreign ministers of the UK, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and Australia issued a joint statement denies the plan, saying it would “great” the already “devastating” situation in Gaza. “An attempt to annex or extend a settlement is in violation of international law,” they added.
However, US President Donald Trump has said whether or not to occupy Gaza city “until Israel.” “As far as the rest is concerned, I really can’t say it. It’s going to lead to Israel,” the US president told reporters.
Within Israel, the decision was furious among settlers and military officials who felt it was pointless and costly to maintain Gaza’s army. Despite the relentless bombing and killings of Palestinians over the past two years, Israel has failed to fulfill Netanyahu’s promise to “eramount” Hamas, and has also failed to free the prisoners brought to Gaza after the successful penetration of the occupied territory on 7 October 2023.
Netanyahu and Is Entourage have shown little desire to regain their occupational plans so far. Israel Katz, the government’s war minister, said that countries that denounced Israel “will not undermine our resolve.”