In Beirut, Iran’s overseas minister warns conflict might unfold if Israeli bombardment of Gaza continues

BEIRUT (AP) — Iran’s overseas minister warned Friday that if Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip don’t cease instantly, the violence might unfold to different elements of the Center East.

Hossein Amirabdollahian is on a tour that took him to Baghdad earlier than Beirut, and later within the day he’s scheduled to journey to the Syrian capital, Damascus. Iran heads the so-called “axis of resistance” that features highly effective militant teams within the area, reminiscent of Hezbollah in Lebanon and the In style Mobilization Forces in Iraq.

Amirabdollahian spoke to reporters in Beirut after a gathering along with his Lebanese counterpart, throughout which the 2 officers referred to as for an finish to Israel’s assaults on Gaza. He additionally met with Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, in addition to caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the speaker of parliament.

There have been issues that the conflict might unfold to Lebanon’s border the place Hezbollah fighters have been on alert following Hamas’ assault on southern Israel on Saturday that left tons of of individuals lifeless.

On Thursday, Israel’s navy struck two of Syria’s most important worldwide airports, in Damascus and Aleppo, placing them out of service. Flights had been diverted to an airport within the coastal province of Latakia. The strikes got here after shells had been fired from Syria into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Sporadic acts of violence alongside the Lebanon-Israel border over the previous days left three Hezbollah fighters lifeless on Monday. Israel’s navy mentioned one Israeli soldier was killed in an anti-tank missile assault on Wednesday.

U.S. President Joe Biden has warned different gamers within the Center East to not be part of the battle, sending American warships to the region and vowing full assist for Israel.

“What’s humorous is that at a time when America is looking on events for self restraint, it’s permitting the criminals within the pretend Zionist entity to kill girls, kids and civilians in Gaza,” Amirabdollahian mentioned.

He warned that “if these organized conflict crimes which can be dedicated by the Zionist entity don’t cease instantly, then we will think about any risk.” He didn’t elaborate however it was an obvious trace that Iran-backed teams might be part of the conflict.

Senior Hamas official Ali Barakeh informed The Related Press this week in Beirut that allies like Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah “will be part of the battle if Gaza is subjected to a conflict of annihilation.”

Amirabdollahian mentioned: “America can’t ship weapons and bombs to kill girls, kids and civilians in Gaza and on the similar time calls on all sides for self-restraint.”

Amirabdollahian referred to as on the overseas ministers and the chief of the Group of Islamic Cooperation, a grouping of 57 international locations with vital Muslim populations, to carry a gathering to debate the state of affairs in Gaza.

After assembly Mikati, Amirabdollahian mentioned the intention of his go to to Beirut is to protect safety in Lebanon amid regional tensions. “What’s vital for us is safety in Lebanon and the way to protect calm,” Amirabdollahian mentioned.

He added that what Hamas did over the weekend was in response to the insurance policies of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.