Iran’s President, Ebrahim Raisi, has called on Islamic governments to designate Israel’s military as a “terrorist organization” due to its actions in the Gaza Strip. Raisi made this statement during a summit of Arab and Muslim leaders in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The emergency meeting, organized by the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), was prompted by the October 7 attacks by Hamas militants, which Israeli officials claim resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, with 240 taken hostage.
In response to Israel’s subsequent retaliation through aerial and ground offensives, more than 11,000 people have been killed, predominantly civilians and many of them children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Raisi’s visit to Riyadh marked his first since the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia in March. During the summit, he called for nations with relations with Israel to sever them and urged for greater support for Palestinians.
Raisi emphasized the importance of cutting all political and economic ties with the Israeli government, describing it as a crucial step for Islamic countries. He specifically highlighted the need for a trade boycott against Israel, particularly in the energy sector. Raisi also claimed that the war machine and fuel used by Israel belong to the United States, asserting that the US government is the main accomplice and commander of these alleged crimes.
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