Iran slams international community's silence on Israeli crimes in Gaza

“The approach of the Zionist Regime [of Israel] results from the lack of a firm reaction by the international community, particularly human rights organizations, towards the war crimes [committed] by this regime in the past and present,” Salehi said on Sunday.

The Iranian foreign minister made the remarks at an opening address to Syria’s National Dialog meeting in Iran’s capital, Tehran.

Nearly 200 participants, including Syrian scholars, tribal and religious leaders, the representatives of different ethnicities, minorities and the opposition are participating in the meeting hosted by Iran.

Salehi added that the international community’s indifference has led to the continuation and escalation of Israel’s crimes.

He said regional institutions, particularly the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), can take firm measures to prevent the repetition of such aggression.

    The Iranian foreign minister added that “Arab countries and particularly the Arab League and Muslim countries” should focus all their attention on the main enemy and take practical measures to help the innocent people of Gaza.


At least 50 Palestinians have been killed and more than 400 others wounded since Wednesday, when the recent Israeli attacks against the Gaza Strip began. Many Palestinian women and children have been among the fatalities.

Israeli aircraft also bombed Hamas’ government buildings in the Palestinian territory on Saturday. The Tel Aviv regime also authorized the mobilization of up to 75,000 reservists, preparing for a possible ground invasion of the Gaza Strip.

The Iranian foreign minister said Syria’s National Dialogue meeting could be an important step toward resolving the country’s ongoing crisis and restoring peace and stability.

Syria has been experiencing a deadly unrest since March 2011 and many people, including large numbers of army and security personnel, have been killed in the turmoil.

Iran has repeatedly voiced its opposition to any foreign interference in Syria's internal affairs, calling for inclusive dialog and national reconciliation as well as free elections as the key to the settlement of the crisis in the country.