Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, criticized calls for a ceasefire in Gaza made by Muslim countries, stating that these efforts are misguided. Instead, he urged Islamic nations to cut off their political and economic relations with Israel. Khamenei emphasized that advocating for a ceasefire is “beyond their control” and that Islamic countries should focus on actions that are within their power, such as severing ties with the “Zionist regime.”
This statement marks Khamenei’s fourth call for Muslim nations to break ties with Israel since the conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7. Iran, a significant supporter of Hamas, has praised the group’s attacks on Israel, though it denies direct involvement in their planning.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, with Israeli officials reporting that Hamas’s attacks killed around 1,200 people, and Gaza health authorities stating that Israel’s military response has led to over 25,000 deaths, primarily among women and children.