In a significant development, Iran announced on Wednesday that its top priorities are to establish a durable ceasefire in Gaza and secure an Israeli withdrawal from the besieged territory, while also seeking retaliation for the killing of Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh.
In a statement released late on Wednesday, Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations emphasized that Tehran is pursuing two simultaneous priorities. “First, establishing a durable ceasefire in Gaza and the withdrawal of the occupiers [Israeli military] from this territory; second, punishing the aggressor for the assassination of Martyr Haniyeh,” the statement read.
The announcement comes as the United States intensifies its efforts to broker a ceasefire that could avert Iranian retaliation against Israel and prevent a potential regional war. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated on Wednesday that a deal is within reach, which would involve the release of Hamas-held hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. “We are as close as we think we have ever been,” Kirby said, adding that “there is a good proposal before both sides and they need to both accept that proposal so we can get this in place.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also expressed optimism about the negotiations, stating on Tuesday that they have reached their “final stage.” “The negotiations have reached their final stage, and we believe strongly that they should come across the finish line very, very soon,” Blinken said.
However, fears of an Iranian attack grew on Wednesday, with reports emerging that Egypt had instructed its airlines to avoid Iranian airspace early Thursday morning local time. Additionally, New York Times journalist Farnaz Fassihi reported that Iran had issued a NOTAM warning, a safety notice given to pilots, indicating that gunfire would occur for several hours on Wednesday evening into Thursday over several parts of the country. Iranian authorities claimed that the gunfire would be part of a military exercise.
According to the Washington-based Critical Threats Project, Iran has issued eight “missile, gun, or rocket firing” NOTAMS since July 31. Two of these notices, in effect from Tuesday to Thursday, pertain to areas near civilian flight paths in western Iran, which the project noted “presumably need to clear prior to conducting a retaliatory attack on Israel.”
The situation remains volatile, with the international community holding its breath as it waits to see how events will unfold. The Palestinian people, who have been subjected to decades of Israeli occupation and aggression, are watching with great interest as Iran takes a strong stance in support of their rights.
The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a prominent leader of the Hamas movement, has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation across the region. Haniyeh was a key figure in the Palestinian resistance, and his killing has been seen as a blatant attempt by Israel to silence the voices of those who dare to challenge its occupation.
Iran’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause is well-documented, and its current efforts to secure a ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza are a testament to its unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the Palestinian people will not be silenced, and their struggle for freedom and self-determination will continue until their rights are fully recognized and respected.
In the meantime, the international community must remain vigilant and take concrete steps to prevent further escalation and bloodshed. The United States, in particular, has a responsibility to use its influence to pressure Israel to end its aggression and occupation, and to work towards a just and lasting peace in the region.
As the people of Palestine continue to suffer under the yoke of Israeli occupation, they look to the international community for support and solidarity. The time for empty words and hollow promises is over; it is time for concrete action and a genuine commitment to justice and human rights. The fate of the Palestinian people hangs in the balance, and the world must not turn a blind eye to their suffering.
