TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has warned that the scope of the war in Gaza would expand unless a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel lasts, Western media reported on Tuesday.
“If this ceasefire starts on Thursday, if it does not continue… the circumstances in the middle east will not remain the same as before the ceasefire and the scope of the war will enlarge,” Iranian Foreign Minister told a television channel in Lebanon.
He said that they did not seek to increase the scope of the conflict, adding: “If the intensity of the conflict increases, every possibility is conceivable for the growth of the scope of the conflict.”
Tehran Says Gaza War Scope to Grow If Cease-fire Doesn’t Hold
Hamas and Israel said Wednesday they had agreed on a four-day ceasefire in the war in Gaza during which Hamas would release 50 of the captives taken in their surprise October 7 assault.
In turn, Israel would also free 150 Palestinian detainees and permit more humanitarian help into the Gaza Strip following more than 6 weeks of bombardment, heavy war and a crippling siege.
READ ALSO: Arab League Chief Welcomes Humanitarian Truce in Gaza
Iranian FM said Iran saw two options: “First, a humanitarian truce that turns into a lasting cease-fire.”
“The second option is to threaten Palestinians, then the people of Palestine will decide for themselves,” he added, saying that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin “Netanyahu cannot fulfil his dream of finishing the Palestinian resistance group Hamas.” In an interview, Iranian top diplomat said that they supported whatever decision Hamas makes.
