By Ahmed Asmar
ANKARA (AA) - Iran’s foreign minister said Monday that the “Axis of Resistance” may carry out “preemptive measures” against Israel in the coming hours.
Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the statement to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), saying that Israel will not be allowed to take any action in the Gaza Strip "without facing consequences."
"All options are open, and we cannot be indifferent to the war crimes committed against the people of Gaza," he added.
The Axis of Resistance reportedly includes Iran, Syria and Hezbollah as well as any anti-Western or anti-Israeli militia groups in the region.
Amir-Abdollahian noted that if "the limited chances given to the United Nations" are not seized, the possibility of opening other fronts against Israel is "unavoidable."
"We don't give orders to the forces of resistance in the region, but they take their decisions on their own," he said.
Ten days into the conflict with the Palestinian group Hamas, the Israeli bombardment and blockade of the Gaza Strip has continued, with over 1 million people – almost half the total population of Gaza – having been displaced, according to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel and medical supplies are running out as civilians flee to the south following an Israeli warning to evacuate its northern areas.
The fighting began when Hamas on Oct. 7 initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence.
The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
The number of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza has risen to 2,778, including 750 children.
In Israel, 1,300 have been killed.
*Writing by Ahmed Asmar