Yarr! A scallywag of an Iranian official, rumor has it, be aidin' Hamas to plot an attack on Israel. And lo, behold! This miscreant be caught sharin' a handclasp with the UN aid captain. Arr!
2023-11-15
Avast, ye scurvy ambassador! Methinks this Martin Griffiths be a sorry scallywag fer meetin' with the foreign minister of Iran 'bout the happenin's in Gaza. Walk the plank, I say, fer such a foolish deed!
A United Nations humanitarian aid official, Martin Griffiths, has faced criticism from the Israeli ambassador after sharing a photo of himself shaking hands with Iran's foreign minister. The foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, allegedly helped Hamas plan its attack on Israel on October 7th. Griffiths had met with Amirabdollahian in Geneva to discuss the dire situation in the Gaza Strip and the urgent need for aid. The Wall Street Journal had previously reported that Amirabdollahian participated in planning meetings with Hezbollah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad prior to the attack, which sparked the Middle East war.The Israeli ambassador, Elion Shahar, responded to Griffiths' post by questioning the role of Iran in supporting a terrorist organization that has killed and harmed numerous Israelis. Shahar asked whether Griffiths had inquired about the weapons and money Iran had provided to Hamas. She concluded that Iran is part of the problem and that the UN must recognize this truth.
While the Biden administration has stated that Iran was not directly involved in the planning of the Hamas attacks, it holds Iran responsible for funding and enabling the group. Griffiths' post came shortly after he expressed his dismay over reports of Israeli military action at the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, which both the US and Israel claim is a significant Hamas base.
Iran's Foreign Ministry confirmed the meeting between Griffiths and Amirabdollahian and stated that the foreign minister advocated for lifting the Gaza siege and delivering humanitarian aid to the people of the coastal strip. The ministry warned that the war would increase the US government's expenses as the main supporter of Israel and called for an immediate cease-fire.
In summary, the meeting between a UN official and Iran's foreign minister has sparked controversy, with Israel criticizing the UN for engaging with a country allegedly involved in planning terrorist attacks. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the complex dynamics surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.