International Desk: Iran has warned that if the United States blocks the UN proposal for a cease-fire in Gaza, it may lead to dire consequences.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdullahian said that as long as the United States “supports the Zionist regime’s (Israel) crimes and continuation of war… there is a possibility of an uncontrolled explosion in the situation in the region,” The Guardian reported.
The United States used its veto power to vote against a cease-fire resolution at the United Nations Security Council on Friday, Newsweek reported. 13 of the 15 members of the Security Council voted in favor. The UK abstained from voting on the proposal.
The ceasefire was proposed by the United Arab Emirates. The resolution called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the release of all hostages.
A week-long cease-fire between Israel and Hamas included the release of hostages as well as aid deliveries to Gaza. However, Israel ended the ceasefire on December 1, accusing Palestinian fighters of violating the ceasefire.
However, Amir-Abdullahian dismissed the claims as completely false and said that a permanent ceasefire was made more difficult by US support for Israel.
Pro-Iranian fighters have attacked US targets in the region. As a result, analysts fear that the conflict that began after the October 7 attack by Hamas in southern Israel could spread further. Iran gives military and moral support to Hamas. As well, other parts of Tehran-backed militant groups operate across the Middle East.
Amir Abdullahian praised the decision of UN Chief Guterres. He called for the immediate opening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt to allow humanitarian aid to reach the Gaza Strip.
Because of the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, there is growing concern. Even here, health services are limited, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) said. Then, due to bombings, shelling, and restrictions on movement, people are not getting even the most basic treatment to save their lives.
“From a humanitarian perspective, a cessation of hostilities is the only way to meet all the needs of Gaza’s civilians, including aid and protection,” the IRC told Newsweek in an email.
The Associated Press reported that Israeli aircraft continued to bombard Gaza City after the UN vote. They also asked Palestinians to move to the southern region.
At least 1,200 people were killed after Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7. On the other hand, 17 thousand 400 people have been killed in Gaza by Israeli bombing.
