Khamenei Calls US Plan To Occupy Gaza 'Foolish'

According to the state-run news agency IRNA, Khamenei met with Nakhalah on Tuesday, February, 18, and praised the resistance of the people of Gaza. He also responded to the U.S. and Israel's plan to take control of Gaza, calling it“foolish.” Khamenei stated,“These plans will go nowhere.” Referring to the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, he pointed out that those who claimed to destroy resistance in a short time are now receiving their prisoners in small groups while freeing many Palestinian detainees.

While Khamenei praises the resistance of the people in Gaza, over 40,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the 15-month-long conflict between Hamas and Israel. The destruction left in Gaza is comparable to the largest destruction caused by World War II.

The World Bank's assessments of the widespread destruction in Gaza show that $53.2 billion will be required for its reconstruction over the next 10 years. Millions of Palestinians have been displaced due to the deadly war that Khamenei supported, and Israel continues to prevent the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza.

During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump had stated that Palestinians living in Gaza should be relocated elsewhere, as the U.S. would occupy and rebuild the region. This U.S. plan, which Israel continues to support, has sparked anger among Arab leaders.

Khamenei's comments highlight Iran's ongoing support for the resistance in Gaza, despite the heavy toll the conflict has taken on Palestinians. His condemnation of the U.S. plan further underscores the geopolitical tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As the situation continues to escalate, the international community remains divided on how to address the crisis. The need for humanitarian aid, political dialogue, and a sustainable peace plan is more urgent than ever to mitigate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

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