'Will Respond Decisively If…’: US Issues Stern Warning To Iran Amid Israel-Hamas War

New York: In a strongly worded message, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has delivered a significant warning to Iran, vowing that the United States would respond with unwavering determination if Iran or its proxies were to attack American personnel. This comes as the Joe Biden administration works to prevent Iran from becoming involved in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Blinken addressed the United Nations Security Council, making it clear that the United States aims to avoid conflict with Iran and does not desire an escalation of the conflict. However, he emphasized that any attack by Iran or its proxies on US personnel would prompt an immediate and decisive response.

He also called upon other nations, including Russia and China, who are part of the 15-member Security Council, to dissuade Iran from opening a new front against Israel or attacking its allies. Furthermore, he stressed the need to hold Iran accountable should such actions occur.

Hamas Vs LeT

In his address, Blinken drew a parallel between the actions of Hamas in Israel and the Pakistan-based terror organization Lashkar-e-Taiba. He underscored that all acts of terrorism, whether targeting people in different parts of the world, are "unlawful and unjustifiable."

The Secretary of State stressed the Security Council's duty to condemn nations providing support to terrorist groups in the form of arming, funding, or training. This appeal was notably referencing the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks carried out by Lashkar-e-Taiba, resulting in the loss of 166 lives, including six Americans.

Humanitarian Pauses In Gaza War 

Blinken also called for "humanitarian pauses" in the Gaza conflict to protect Palestinian civilians. This falls short of a ceasefire, which the US has refrained from endorsing, in order to ensure Israel's right to respond to the October 7 attack on Hamas.

He criticized the international community for failing to explicitly condemn the October 7 Hamas attack, highlighting the importance of world leaders acknowledging the right and responsibility to respond to terror attacks against their citizens.

Israel's Call For UN Chief’s Resignation

In a separate development, Israel has demanded the resignation of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres following his comments regarding the Israeli counteroffensive in Gaza. The Israeli envoy to the UN, Gilad Erdan, deemed Guterres "unfit" to lead the UN and called for his resignation.

This demand came after Guterres stated that the attacks by Hamas could not justify the "collective punishment of the Palestinian people," citing the decades of occupation, settlement expansion, and violence endured by the Palestinian population.

Humanitarian Crisis In Gaza

The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported a dire situation, with over 5,000 Palestinians killed, including a significant number of children, women, journalists, medical workers, and first responders. Additionally, over 15,000 people have been injured, highlighting the severity of the humanitarian crisis in the region.