Iran Condemns Israeli Minister’s Call to Starve Millions in Gaza

Iran strongly condemned far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s recent remarks, in which he justified the potential starvation of two million Palestinians in Gaza, calling it “heinous and horrific.” Smotrich asserted that blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza is “justified and moral” even if it leads to mass starvation in the coastal enclave. In response, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kan’ani, declared that Israel’s compliance with international law can only be achieved through “decisive and deterrent action.”

Iran Calls for Global Action Against Israel

Kan’ani’s comments emphasized that the Israeli regime “knows no boundaries for its heinous crimes,” and suggested that Smotrich’s remarks were a public confession of Israel’s intent to commit atrocities. He urged the international community, particularly the European Union, to take concrete action against Israel rather than offering mere verbal condemnations. Kan’ani stressed that the ongoing genocide and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza, which has persisted for over 10 months, necessitates urgent intervention.

International Condemnation of Smotrich’s Statements

The controversial statements by Smotrich have drawn widespread international condemnation. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and German Foreign Ministry spokesman Sebastian Fischer both denounced the remarks, labeling deliberate starvation of civilians as a war crime. The French Foreign Ministry also expressed outrage over Smotrich’s comments, aligning with global criticism. The Gaza conflict, which escalated after Israel launched a war in response to a Palestinian operation on October 7, 2023, has claimed the lives of at least 39,699 Palestinians, mostly women and children, with 91,722 more wounded. Israel’s ongoing siege has drastically reduced essential supplies, including food, medicine, electricity, and water, pushing the situation in Gaza to the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe.