Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's statement and U.S. President Donald Trump's 'final' warning have heightened uncertainty about the war in Gaza. Israel is preparing for full control over Gaza, carrying out severe attacks on Palestinian cities despite international criticism. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that criticism doesn't affect him and he opts for victory.
On Sunday, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel seeks a swift victory to end the challenge.
He stated, 'If I have to choose between defeating my enemies and propaganda against us, I choose to defeat my enemies. I do not want articles saying we've lost to our enemies but are praised in the world media. Winning is my choice.'
Netanyahu's comment followed President Trump's remark that 'While Israel is winning the war in Gaza, it is losing in public relations.'
Trump's comment was made in light of the massive destruction and loss of life in Gaza. Over 64,000 Palestinians, mostly children and women, have died in Israel’s war.
Israel began its attacks on Gaza in October 2023, after Hamas, labeled as a terror group by Israel and the U.S., attacked Israel on October 7, killing at least 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
Following this attack, Gaza has been devastated by Israeli retaliation, and millions have suffered displacement. The UN’s Hunger Monitoring Agency declared Gaza famine-stricken last week. Several nations and human rights groups have accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.
However, undeterred by these criticisms, Israel continues its attacks on Gaza, largely buoyed by U.S. support.
Through the conflict, the U.S. has consistently supported Israel. In this vein, Trump issued a 'final' warning to Hamas.
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump warned Hamas that there would be severe consequences if they refused to end the conflict.
He stated, 'Everyone wants hostages to return home; everyone wants this war to end. Israelis have accepted my terms, and it’s time for Hamas to do the same. I've informed Hamas of the possible outcomes of not accepting this offer. This is my final warning, and no further warnings will follow.'
Hamas responded to Trump’s warning, expressing willingness to negotiate an end to the war. In a statement, Hamas stated, 'We are willing to negotiate the release of all prisoners in exchange for a clear announcement to end the war, complete military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian committee to govern Gaza.'
Hamas further noted, 'We welcome any step that aids in halting aggression against our people.'
Following a meeting with Cabinet members on the Gaza issue on Sunday, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a statement. He appealed to 'all non-Muslim and Muslim countries opposing Israeli attacks’ to sever trade and political relations with Israel to counter its destructive crimes. On social media platform X, he stated that any cooperation with Israel under the current circumstances is unacceptable.
Khamenei urged the Muslim world to unite and take a strong stand, pressuring Israel through diplomatic and economic means. Severing trade and political ties was cited as essential support for the Palestinian cause and showing solidarity with the victims.
Khamenei warned that remaining silent on the issue would be considered inactivity. The Iranian Supreme Leader stated, 'Israel is executing major crimes and causing shocking destruction without shame, backed by powerful countries like the U.S. However, ways to counter it remain.'
With Netanyahu's plan to control all of Gaza, Khamenei's statement, and Trump’s fresh warning, it seems highly unlikely that the war in Gaza will cease. If Israel sticks to its Gaza plan and if Iran becomes involved, the possibility of increased conflict between the two nations looms, suggesting an extended war in Gaza.
