Iran’s diplomatic campaign pays off in Gaza

Following a request from Thailand’s government, Iran offered its good offices for the captives’ release, resulting in the unconditional freedom of the individuals.
Over a dozen Thai captives are still held in the besieged Gaza Strip. Iran has reportedly supplied Bangkok with vital information regarding their current conditions.

Hamas has also agreed to release 40 other captives under a Qatar-mediated deal with Tel-Aviv agreeing to free 150 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli jails.

Since October 7, Iran has embarked on an extensive diplomatic campaign aimed at averting the loss of innocent lives in the region. The Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian has undertaken three regional tours, engaging with leaders in Qatar, Lebanon, Iraq, and Turkey to discuss the ongoing situation.

Following a successful Hamas operation in the occupied territories on October 7, the regime initiated a devastating bombing campaign against the Gaza Strip. Although this assault came to a temporary halt on Friday, reports have emerged suggesting that the ceasefire was already violated after the regime opened fire on civilians attempting to return to their homes in northern Gaza.

Israel’s sustained attacks, in conjunction with its complete blockade of the territory, have resulted in a death toll exceeding 14,000, with 70% of the deceased comprising women and children. Iranian officials, including the foreign minister, have consistently cautioned that the continuation of Israeli offenses against Palestinians could potentially ignite a broader conflict in the region.

Iran has initiated various efforts to quell the genocidal attacks on Gaza, actively engaging in discussions with numerous concerned parties in pursuit of finding a resolution to the escalating crisis.

American bases have already come under attacks across the region, with prospects of Hezbollah, Lebanon’s resistance movement, joining the war growing each day. Iran has warned multiple times that Israel’s relentless attacks on Gaza and Washington’s unflagging support for the regime can widen the conflicts. Tehran has also clarified that it has no autonomy over resistance groups and that resistance forces might decide to go at Israel hammer and tongs on their own. It has also criticized Washington for further endangering the security of the region by sending a nuclear submarine to the Persian Gulf.

An Iranian Parliament member announced on Saturday that President Ebrahim Raisi has been conversing with different world leaders via letters to come up with a solution to the crisis.

“The 4-day ceasefire creates a good opportunity to discuss the establishment of a permanent ceasefire between Palestine and the Zionist regime. Palestinians have also finally experienced a respite from the tough situation Israel has put them in,” said Shahriyar Heydari, adding that Iran has always thrown its full weight behind the Palestinian cause and will continue to do so in the future.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanani has also confirmed Iran’s mediation in the release of Thai captives held by Hamas.

The spokesperson explained on Saturday that the Iranian and Thai foreign ministers have held phone talks and a meeting in the Qatari capital of Doha, where the Thai officials have called for Iran’s help to facilitate the release of the captives.

Kan’ani said the Thai officials have considered the request and a number of the Thai prisoners were released following the establishment of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.