Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, asserted on Tuesday (17 October) that should Israel’s actions in Gaza persist, Muslims worldwide and resistance forces would be unstoppable.

Emphasising that the bombardment of Gaza must cease immediately, Khamenei made these statements, and called for the trial of Israeli officials for their actions against Palestinians in Gaza, reports Iranian state TV reported.

Khamenei said, “No one can confront Muslims and the resistance forces if the Zionist regime’s crimes against Palestinians continue… the bombardment of Gaza must stop immediately.”

Iran, following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has consistently voiced its support for the Palestinian cause.

The clerical rulers in Iran openly back Hamas, an Islamist group in control of Gaza, by providing funding and armaments.

In the ongoing conflict, Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas, especially after a violent incident on 7 October, during which Hamas gunmen killed 1,300 people, primarily civilians, in southern Israeli towns.

Israel’s response has included airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, resulting in over 2,800 Palestinian casualties, a significant portion being children.

Additionally, a considerable number of Gazans have been displaced due to the conflict, with the area facing severe shortages of essential supplies due to an imposed blockade.