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All capabilities must be utilized toward proactive, serious measures to end the Israeli brutal war on Gaza, which has caused immeasurable suffering for its oppressed people, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi said in his New Year message to Asian countries celebrating Nowruz.

“This year, we, the countries of the Nowruz civilization zone, are celebrating this auspicious occasion while the oppressed and powerful people of Gaza are facing the brutal attacks of the usurper Zionist regime, and are also under complete siege, deprived of having access to basic health and livelihood facilities and are in danger of starvation and famine,” Raisi said.

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“It is our human duty to use our capabilities to take serious practical steps to stop the attacks of the Zionist regime and send humanitarian aid to the oppressed people of Gaza,” he continued.

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported that, on the 166th day of the Israeli war on the Strip, the number of Palestinians killed since October 7 has risen to 31,923, in addition to 74,096 injuries.

In the past 24 hours, the Israeli occupation committed 10 massacres against families in Gaza, killing 104 Palestinians and injuring 162, the ministry also stated.

The health sector in Gaza is also subjected to ongoing Israeli systemic destruction, risking the lives of thousands of patients, some of whom are currently in critical condition.

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Most recently, the al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, the only medical facility still operating in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, warned that it is at risk of suspending its services due to a shortage of fuel for its generators.

Failed to subdue the Resistance

A UN-endorsed report released on Monday warned that famine is expected to spread in the northern region of the Gaza Strip any time between now and May.

The report, conducted by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), reveals that across the entirety of the besieged Strip, approximately 1.1 million individuals, equivalent to half of the population, are now confronting "catastrophic hunger."

"Famine is now projected and imminent in the North Gaza and Gaza Governorates and is expected to become manifest during the projection period from mid-March 2024 to May 2024," it said.

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In a separate New Year message that was more locally directed, Raisi hailed the Palestinian Resistance for its brave resolution in confronting the Israeli occupation forces.

The Iranian president slammed "global powers" for using "all their might to annihilate the two million free people of Gaza," pointing out that they "provided the Zionists with everything from the newest and most modern bunker-busting bombs to billions of dollars."

However, the powers "could not succeed," he confirmed.

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In his speech, Raisi also highlighted his administration's economic achievements, such as boosting Iran's economic growth rate to about six percent in the previous year and attracting $11 billion in foreign direct investment. He also mentioned that his government has improved cooperation with neighboring countries, as well as Latin America and Africa, and has joined significant international groups like BRICS.

“I assure you that with the participation of you dear and noble people, the year 1403 will be the year of greater boom in production and economy, further reduction of the inflation rate, and extensive service to the dear people.”