TEHRAN – On Saturday, a senior Iranian military official declared that Israel's unceasing atrocities against Palestinians confined in the blockaded Gaza Strip will ultimately backfire on the regime.

“It is in the interest of the Zionist regime to stop committing crimes,” Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri said during a speech at a military university. Iran's highest-ranking military commander also thanked Palestinian resistance fighters for their unwavering resilience against the regime’s occupation forces. 

“The Zionist regime, with the crimes that have hastened its decline, will collapse sooner than expected. The righteous front will definitely be victorious according to divine promise. All Palestinians of any religion, sect, or denomination should go to the ballot box to decide how the future of this land should be managed, as there is no other way for peace and tranquility in this land,” the general said, adding that Iran’s armed forces will continue to closely monitor regional developments.

Palestinian Resistance Group Hamas carried out a surprise operation dubbed “Al-Aqsa Storm” inside the occupied territories on October 7. The offensive was seen as a significant security, military, and intelligence defeat by Israel which has been priding itself on its “invincible” intelligence and military apparatus. 

The regime began a disproportionate response to Operation Al-Aqsa Storm shortly after it happened, leaving behind a carnage of over 17,000 civilians and destroying infrastructure across Gaza. It is meanwhile obstructing access to food, water, electricity, and medication for the 2.3 million people trapped in the densely populated strip. 

The U.S. and other Western states have showed steadfast support for Israel’s killing campaign. Washington has so far vetoed two UN Security Council resolutions asking for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. It continues to back Israel in its illegal approach towards Palestinians despite mounting international pressure.