TEHRAN – Iran’s foreign minister has voiced his deep concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza during a meeting in Geneva on Wednesday with UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs Martin Griffiths.

Hossein Amir Abdollahian demanded an immediate cessation of Israeli attacks and abhorred attempts to displace the people of Gaza.

He also denounced Israeli attacks on Gazans as genocidal, lacking any prospect of victory, and only increasing costs for the U.S., the regime's primary supporter. 

The foreign minister also stressed the imperative of swift and sufficient humanitarian aid to the besieged Gazans.

Consequently, he called for concentrated efforts to achieve a ceasefire and end the ongoing war. “Urgent and effective measures are essential to halt the Israeli regime's attacks,” he stated.

Highlighting his recent meetings in Doha with representatives from the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and the Qatari government, Amir Abdollahian conveyed the message that Hamas is ready to address the issue of non-military detainees. He underlined a potential reciprocal action, stating that if Israel refrains from genocide in Gaza, Hamas will reciprocate by refraining from counterattacks.

Amir Abdollahian also called for immediate UN intervention to lift the criminal blockade imposed by the Israeli regime to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. He disputed the negligible level of humanitarian aid sent to the Palestinian territory, contrary to U.S. claims.

He also asserted that the UN can leverage Iran's capabilities to promote peace and security in the region.

For his part, Martin Griffiths, expressing appreciation toward Iran’s efforts in preventing the spread of war in the region, detailed the UN's commitment to humanitarian issues. 

Griffiths also emphasized the necessity to join forces to halt the war and alleviate the current alarming situation in Gaza. 

Following the meeting, Amir Abdollahian told reporters that the United States is sending various prohibited weapons, including phosphorus munitions, to Israel. “The consequence of this action is a relentless bombardment, affecting the Palestinian people in the besieged Gaza Strip,” he lamented.

Amir Abdollahian left Tehran for Geneva on Monday to participate in the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Israel waged a ruthless war on Gaza on October 7 following a surprise Hamas attack on the occupied territories. This attack was carried out in response to the intensified crimes committed by the occupying regime against the Palestinian people.

In addition to military attacks, Tel Aviv has also imposed a “complete siege” on Gaza, severely restricting access to fuel, electricity, food, and water for over two million Palestinians residing in the coastal enclave.

MAS/PA