Political suicide for Israel
Iran Daily’s correspondent
in Pakistan
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday, called Israeli attacks on Gaza a violation of international law and demanded an immediate cease-fire.
Guterres described Israel’s collective punishment of Palestinians as war crimes, adding that the attacks by Hamas on Israel on October 7 “did not happen in a vacuum as the Palestinians have endured 76 years of suffocating occupation.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen blasted Guterres for his remarks. Cohen mentioned Hamas attacks but did point to the 19-day bombardment which has so far killed over 6,500 Gazans including 2,700 children. Since the beginning of the conflict, Israel has dropped 33 tons of explosives per kilometer on the Palestinian territory.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani warned that an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza would be a “political suicide” for the regime. He also slammed the US for its unwavering support for Israel, saying it could expand the war beyond Gaza.
According to the US Defense Department, local armed men in Iraq and Syria carried out 12 rocket attacks on American bases there. In addition, Hezbollah has targeted an Israeli checkpoint with a missile in the wake of Iran’s warning.
Israel has not officially declared its withdrawal from a land attack, but some defense experts are suggesting that the regime may be steering clear of such operations.
The robust diplomatic efforts of Iran and the resistance forces in the region have exerted enormous pressure on Israel and its patrons, dissuading Israel from venturing out with any dire consequences. In addition to Iran, countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan have warned Israel against launching a ground attack.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Munir Akram, has warned that Israeli operations in Palestinian territories are becoming a dangerous conflict. Addressing the meeting of the Security Council, he said that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, and Pakistan demands an immediate and unconditional cease-fire. He warned that Israeli actions could lead to a wider and more dangerous conflict and that those responsible are those who are escalating the conflict.
During the special session, Saudi Arabia also called the Israeli attacks on civilian hospitals, food reserves and basic facilities a breach of international law. The Saudi foreign minister described the international community’s failure to end Israel’s relentless attack and forced displacement of Gazans as a threat to security and stability.