Iran’s President Raisi: Fighting Hamas Is A War On Democracy, Demands Justice Against Israel
TEHRAN- Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi has reiterated his support for Hamas, stating that any aggression against the Palestinian resistance movement is tantamount to an attack on democracy. Raisi’s comments were made during a phone call with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Saturday night.
Asserting that Hamas is the legitimate and elected government of Gaza, Raisi commended Oslo’s stance in condemning Israel’s killing of civilians in Gaza and their efforts to alleviate the blockade on the coastal enclave. He also expressed Iran’s willingness to collaborate with the Norwegian Justice Ministry in investigating the crimes committed by Israel while emphasizing the need for accountability.
Raisi laid blame on the United States for its significant arms and equipment transfers to Israel, a move which he believes has led to the loss of thousands of lives in Gaza, including numerous children. He criticized the silence of the U.S. and certain European countries in the face of these atrocities, accusing them of complicity in Israel’s crimes against humanity.
The Iranian President further scrutinized the failure of 180 UN resolutions to incite behavioral change from Israel. He proposed an equitable and democratic resolution to the long-standing Palestinian issue, where every Palestinian would have an equal vote.
Prime Minister Gahr Støre acknowledged Iran’s influential and effective role in the region and praised Tehran’s efforts to deescalate tensions. He called for diplomatic discussions with Iran to find a resolution that would immediately halt the conflict, lift the blockade on Gaza, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to its inhabitants.
Following Hamas’ Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying regime on October 7, Israel launched a brutal offensive on the blockaded Gaza Strip. As a consequence, the coastal sliver has been subjected to a complete siege, depriving its more than 2.3 million residents of essential resources such as water, food, medicine, fuel, and electricity.
The situation in Gaza continues to be a pressing concern for the international community. While Iran accuses Israel of committing war crimes and demands justice, Norway recognizes the need for dialogue and collaboration to achieve a peaceful resolution. The conflicting perspectives underscore the complexities of the conflict and the urgent need for a diplomatic breakthrough that prioritizes the well-being of the Palestinians in Gaza.
