European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has called on Iran to use its influence to prevent the spillover of Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip into the entire West Asia region.
Borrell said that he had a telephone conversation with Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, during which they discussed the situation in the blockaded Palestinian territory, which is under heavy Israeli bombardment.
“EU position is clear on condemning terrorism. And on the protection of civilians at all times,” he wrote in a post on his X account on Tuesday, .
“It is in everyone’s interest to prevent a regional spillover. Urged Iran to use its influence to avoid regional escalation.”
Spoke to @Amirabdolahian on the situation in Gaza. EU position is clear on condemning terrorism. And on the protection of civilians at all times.
It is in everyone’s interest to prevent a regional spillover. Urged Iran to use its influence to avoid regional escalation.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) October 16, 2023
Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian Hamas resistance group waged a surprise attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, against the occupying entity.
Hamas said that its operation came in response to Israel’s violations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East al-Quds and growing Israeli settler violence.
Israel has killed 2,866 Palestinians and wounded 12,000 others in its relentless airstrikes. It has also blocked water, food and electricity to Gaza, plunging the coastal sliver into a humanitarian crisis.
Possible expansion of war ‘inevitable’: Iran warns
On Monday, Iran’s foreign minister warned that a possible expansion of the Gaza war is becoming inevitable.
Speaking with Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin over the phone, Amir-Abdollahian condemned the crimes of the Zionist regime that has put Gaza under a siege to block the entry of humanitarian aid.
“The possible expansion of the war to other fronts is nearing an inevitable stage. It is necessary to establish suitable corridors as soon as possible to send water and food, as well as pharmaceutical and medical items to the people of Gaza,” he added.
Between 300 and 700 civilians are being killed in Gaza every day, the Iranian foreign minister said, stressing that the Zionist regime must immediately end its terrorist acts and genocide against Palestinians.
Martin, for his part, voiced concerns about the spillover of tensions in the occupied territories and noted that it was necessary to observe international human rights during the war.
He underlined the need for opening humanitarian corridors to send aid and essential items to Gaza, calling for measures to reduce increased tensions in the region.
The Irish foreign minister further expressed hope that the Islamic Republic can play its unique role in the region and present an initiative to ease the crisis.
