Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas, which rules Gaza, in retaliation for the October 7 attack that killed 1,400 and took hundreds hostage. Israel has launched airstrikes on Gaza, imposed a siege and is preparing a ground attack. Palestinian officials say more than 7,000 people have been killed.
Amirabdollahian said Hamas has told Iran it is ready to release civilian hostages, adding that the world should push for the release of 6,000 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
He said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to play its role in this extremely important humanitarian effort along with Qatar and Turkey. Naturally, the release of 6,000 Palestinian prisoners is another need and responsibility of the global community.”