Last Sunday, Israel initiated a conflict against the Islamist group after a large number of fighters breached the heavily fortified border, resulting in the tragic death of over 1,400 individuals, with the majority being civilians who were shot, stabbed, or burned to death.
Over the course of seven days, relentless bombings aimed at those responsible for the initial attack have claimed the lives of more than 2,300 people, with most being ordinary Palestinians.
However, as Israel pursues retribution for the most devastating attack in its history, it faces a significant warning regarding the security implications of deploying ground forces in the densely populated enclave.
“No one can guarantee the control of the situation and the non-expansion of the conflicts” if Israel sends its soldiers into Gaza, said Iran’s foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
“Those who are interested in preventing the scope of war and crisis from expanding need to prevent the current barbaric attacks… against citizens and civilians in Gaza,” he added.
Iran stands as Israel's primary adversary, providing support not only to Hamas but also to Hezbollah in the northern region of Lebanon, where cross-border hostilities have intensified over the past week.
In this recent wave of clashes, the toll has reached at least ten casualties in Lebanon and two in Israel. In response, Israel has made the decision to close its border area to civilians.
While Iran has expressed approval of the Hamas attacks, they have denied direct involvement. However, the United States, demonstrating its support for Israel by deploying two aircraft carriers to the eastern Mediterranean, remains cautious.
Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Adviser in Washington, voiced concern that the situation might escalate, particularly the possibility of Iran's direct involvement.
To address the mounting crisis in the volatile region, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken conducted a whirlwind diplomatic tour of Middle Eastern capitals in recent days. His next stop is Israel, where he is scheduled for further discussions with Israeli leaders, as confirmed by the State Department upon his arrival in Cairo.
