Iran calls on Muslim countries to cut relations with Israel to pressure Tel Aviv to end its campaign in Gaza.
“Cutting diplomatic and economic relations and imposing a trade and arms embargo on Israel are important measures to force them to end genocidal actions in Gaza and atrocities in the West Bank and Jerusalem,” Foreign Minister Iran’s Hossein Amir-Abdollahian spoke at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Banjul, Gambia on May 4.
According to Mr. Amir-Abdollahian, Iran “appreciates freedom-loving Muslim governments and countries that have taken action in this direction.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian spoke in Beirut, Lebanon on February 10. Image: Reuters
Fighting in Gaza broke out after Hamas raided southern Israel, killing more than 1,100 people and kidnapping more than 200 hostages on October 7, 2023. Israel immediately launched a response campaign. Gaza health authorities said that as of May 3, fighting had killed 34,600 people and injured more than 77,800 people, 70% of whom were women and children.
Iran and a number of countries such as South Africa and Türkiye accused Israel of “committing genocide in the Gaza Strip” with support from the US and Western countries. Israel denies the accusations, claiming it has the right to self-defense. The US supports Israel’s military campaign, but calls on its allies to do more to protect civilians, and expresses hope for an independent Palestinian state in the future.
Colombia cut relations with Israel on May 1 because Tel Aviv “has leaders who commit genocide”. Israel criticized Colombia’s leadership as “anti-Semitic and hateful”. Bolivia, Belize and South Africa have also cut or suspended relations with Israel. Türkiye on May 2 announced to stop trade with Israel until the parties reach a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.