Iran's Khamenei Denounces Israel's Gaza Aid Strategy as Genocidal

Khamenei's Strong Condemnation

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, has vehemently criticized the way Israel distributes aid in Gaza, labeling it a "cheap form of genocide." In a statement shared on Telegram, he accused Israel of forcing Palestinians into a dire situation where they face a choice between dying from starvation or being shot while trying to secure food.

Khamenei remarked, "This is a cheap form of genocide, calculated with Western precision. A nation that once perished under expensive bombs now faces death in food lines from bullets that cost mere dollars." Reports indicate that at least 34 Palestinians were killed recently near the last operational food aid site in Gaza, managed by the GHF.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated, leaving many citizens in desperate need. The UN has reported that approximately 800 Palestinians have been shot while attempting to access aid in the last six weeks, with basic necessities being denied. On Saturday, over 100 Palestinians, including women and children, were reportedly killed, and many more injured due to Israeli strikes in the region.

On July 11, UNRWA Chief Philippe Lazzarini expressed his concerns on social media, stating, "Inaction & silence are complicity. Under our watch, Gaza has become the graveyard of children & starving people. Their choice is between two deaths: starvation or being shot at." He emphasized the urgent need for action, warning that continued inaction would lead to further chaos.

These comments come as the Israeli Air Force conducted strikes on more than 35 Hamas targets in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza. The IDF spokesperson characterized the operation as a "defensive measure to neutralize threats posed by the terror infrastructure."