Iran condemns Israeli minister’s remarks over Gaza killings
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has strongly condemned remarks attributed to Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir regarding the killing of Palestinians in Gaza, accusing him of openly advocating mass violence and the forced displacement of Palestinians.
According to media reports, Gharibabadi said Ben-Gvir had set a daily target of killing between 30 and 40 people in Gaza. He described the remarks as further evidence of what Iran considers systematic violence against Palestinians and called for such statements to be preserved as evidence for possible future legal proceedings.
Gharibabadi said that Israeli officials were openly discussing the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and the establishment or expansion of Jewish settlements in Palestinian territory. He argued that these statements should not simply be treated as political rhetoric but should be documented carefully because they could potentially become important evidence in future cases involving alleged violations of international law.
“The statements and admissions made by Israeli officials should be preserved as evidence,” Gharibabadi said, according to the reports. He added that such evidence could be presented when Israeli officials are held accountable and legal proceedings are initiated against those accused of crimes against Palestinians.
The Iranian official’s comments came in response to statements attributed to Ben-Gvir concerning Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Media reports said the Israeli minister had spoken about killing between 30 and 40 people in Gaza every night. He was also reported to have said that the people of Gaza should not remain alive.
Ben-Gvir, a far-right Israeli politician, has repeatedly faced international criticism over his statements and positions concerning Palestinians and the Gaza conflict. His remarks have frequently generated controversy, particularly when he has discussed military operations, Palestinian displacement and the future of Gaza.
Gharibabadi’s response reflects Iran’s broader criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Iranian officials have repeatedly accused Israel of committing serious violations against Palestinians and have called for international action against Israeli leaders and officials. Tehran has also consistently supported the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and opposed the expansion of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.
The issue of accountability has become increasingly prominent amid the continuing conflict in Gaza. Palestinian officials and international organizations have reported extensive civilian casualties and destruction in the territory since the outbreak of the war. Israel, meanwhile, has maintained that its military operations are aimed at Hamas and other armed groups and has defended its actions as necessary for national security and the release of hostages.
The latest exchange between Iran and Israel comes amid continued regional tensions. Iranian officials have frequently used international forums and diplomatic statements to call attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza and to demand accountability for alleged violations of international humanitarian law.
Gharibabadi’s call to preserve statements made by Israeli officials highlights Iran’s argument that public comments by political and military figures could later be examined in legal proceedings. He suggested that remarks regarding killings, forced displacement and settlement expansion should be documented so they can potentially be used when questions of responsibility and accountability are considered.
The controversy surrounding Ben-Gvir’s reported remarks is therefore likely to add to international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the statements of its political leaders. As the conflict continues to generate diplomatic and legal debate, allegations concerning civilian killings, displacement and settlement policies remain major points of contention between Israel and its critics, including Iran.