Iran says it always supports steps to end Gaza conflict

TEHRAN, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) — Iran’s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday it supports any initiative to halt the war in Gaza, ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces and deliver aid to Palestinians, following a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. In a statement, the ministry said Tehran backs measures to secure humanitarian access, free Palestinian prisoners and uphold Palestinians’ rights, adding it has used its diplomatic channels over the past two years to pressure Israel and its allies to end what it called “genocide” in Gaza. The ministry praised “martyrs of resistance” and warned against Israeli “deception and breach of promises.” It urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for “war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity,” saying governments and institutions remain responsible for pursuing justice despite the ceasefire. Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to a Gaza ceasefire deal, offering a tentative path toward ending the two-year conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, injured almost 170,000 others, and left the enclave in ruins. The deal on the “first phase” of a U.S.-backed peace plan, coming after intense negotiations in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United States, outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal, while establishing mechanisms for prisoner exchanges and humanitarian aid delivery. Enditem