Ebrahim Cassim– Diplomatic Inside
One year after the Al-Aqsa Storm operation marked a turning point in Palestinian resistance, the conflict continues to shape both regional dynamics and global perceptions. His Excellency Mr. Shakib Mehr, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to South Africa, reflects on this pivotal moment, underscoring Gaza as a symbol of unwavering resistance against the ‘Zionist’ regime’s decades-long oppression. He emphasizes that the war is not merely a local conflict but a larger battle against occupation, deeply rooted in the determination of the Palestinian people and supported by the Axis of Resistance. In this interview, Ambassador Mehr offers a detailed analysis of the war’s significance, its regional and global effects, and Iran’s perspective on a lasting solution for Palestine.
One year after the start of the Gaza war, what is your general opinion and analysis about this event?
As one of the greatest examples of the Palestinian people’s resistance against the oppression and aggression of the Zionist regime, the Gaza war remains and will remain in the people’s memory as a crucial event. From the very beginning, the Islamic Republic of Iran believed this war is not only a local conflict but a global battle against occupation and modern colonialism.
Over the past years, Gaza has always been known as a symbol of steadfastness and resistance against a regime that has been committing war crimes and human rights violations on a daily basis for 75 years. Despite heavy sieges, economic shortages, and brutal attacks, the Palestinian people have continued to resist, and this shows a determination that no power can break.
The war in Gaza is not only a military battle, but a symbol of a larger war between right and wrong. For more than 75 years, the Zionist regime tried to silence the voice of the resistance by using all its military capabilities and the support of world powers, but thanks to the Palestinian people’s will and the support of the Axis of Resistance countries, these efforts failed.
Why do you think the Al-Aqsa storm is known as a turning point in the history of Resistance and Palestine?
Al-Aqsa storm was not only a successful initiative, but also a turning point in the history of Palestinian resistance and the region. This operation showed that the Zionist regime can no longer continue to live without being held accountable for its crimes. The successful operations of the Palestinian resistance led to the occupying regime facing a serious crisis inside and outside the occupied territories.
This operation clearly proved that the will of the Palestinian people and Resistance groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad cannot be broken in any way. As one of the most important symbols of this resistance, the Al-Aqsa storm is the point where the Zionist regime clearly realized that having dominion over Al-Quds and Al-Aqsa Mosque is not as easy as it imagined.
Now the Israeli regime has been disgraced in the world by killing and wounding over 150 thousand innocent Palestinian people, most of whom were women and children. This regime has destroyed all of Gaza. People’s houses, schools, hospitals, mosques and churches, etc.
What regional and global effects has this war had?
This war has had deep and widespread effects at the regional and global level. Its first effect was to reveal the weaknesses and inability of the Zionist regime to deal with the Resistance groups. This regime, with all its military facilities and equipment, could not defeat the Palestinian resistance, and this showed that the criminal gang ruling Israel is no longer able to impose its will on the nations of the region.
Globally, this event led to increased support for the resistance of the Palestinian people. Many people and countries, even in the West, reacted to Israel’s crimes and expressed their support for the Palestinian nation. The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the Gaza war has directly played a decisive role in changing the political and military equations of the region, and that the Palestinian resistance is recognized as an effective and real power.
Do you think the international community’s response to the Gaza war was appropriate?
The international community’s response to the Gaza war has been inadequate and ineffective. Western countries, which consider themselves to be the claimants of human rights, kept silent about the evident crimes of the Zionist regime and even supported it in some cases. Especially America, which is a partner in this genocide by sending weapons. On the other hand, some countries, including South Africa, adopted very honorable and categorical stances.
By condemning the criminal and genocidal actions of the Zionist regime and referring the case of this regime to the International Court of Justice, South Africa showed that human principles and human rights are of great importance to it. The Islamic Republic of Iran expresses appreciation for these courageous positions and believes other countries should also follow this path and take the necessary measures to condemn and punish the Zionist regime.
Influenced by the great powers enjoying veto power, especially the United States, the United Nations Security Council, as a fundamental pillar in maintaining international peace and security, unfortunately has not taken any effective measures to stop the Israeli apartheid regime from committing genocide.
What are Islamic Republic of Iran’s position and solution regarding the Palestinian issue, especially the Gaza war? What are the solutions proposed by Iran to solve the issue?
The Islamic Republic of Iran has always believed the only solution to the Palestinian issue is the return of Palestinian refugees to their land and holding a public referendum with the participation of all Palestinians. This decisive position of Iran is in contrast to the Zionist regime’s policies of occupation and aggression.
By supporting Palestinian popular resistance groups, Iran believes that resistance is the only way to deter Israel’s aggression. The resistance groups have been able to increase their capabilities significantly in recent years, and this has made Israel unable to achieve its goals of destroying these groups. Resistance is now not a group or an individual but an idea, and an idea cannot be destroyed by weapons.
In addition, the Islamic Republic of Iran has always emphasized on unity and solidarity among Islamic countries and believes through the unity of Muslim nations and regional countries, the rights of the Palestinian people can be defended and Israel forced will be forced to retreat. Iran’s solution to solve the Palestinian crisis includes resistance, international support, and unity among countries to confront Israel’s crimes.
What is Israel’s objective in assassinating the leaders of Hezbollah, especially Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah, its Secretary General, and what will be the future of Hezbollah in Lebanon?
With the aim of weakening the resistance front and creating a gap in its ranks, the Zionist regime has always tried to assassinate prominent leaders such as Martyr Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah, the Secretary General of Lebanon’s Hezbollah. With these criminal actions, namely assassinating the leaders of the resistance, Israel seeks to weaken Hezbollah’s mental and military capabilities and create instability in Lebanon. Martyr Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah, as a prominent religious and political figure and a symbol of resistance in the region, was always the top target of Israel.
Assassination of Resistance leaders has been on Israel’s agenda for years, and from their point of view, it is a tool to weaken Hezbollah’s military and mental capabilities. However, experience has shown that such assassinations not only do not weaken the resistance, but also strengthen the will and unity among the people and the resistance forces. Hezbollah, as one of the main pillars of the resistance front in the region, enjoys deep popular and ideological roots and the assassination of its leaders only makes it stronger and more united.
The future of Lebanon’s Hezbollah, despite all the pressures and threats, is bright and strong. With domestic, regional and global support, Hezbollah plays a prominent role in regional developments as one of the most effective forces of Resistance against Israeli aggression and supporting the oppressed people of Palestine and Lebanon. Martyrdom of resistance leaders like Martyr Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah will only strengthen the will of Resistance and motivate them to continue the path of Resistance. The resistance front shall never stop and be stopped.