‘No middle ground’; Qalibaf urges world to choose sides after Israeli torture of Gaza toddler

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has called on the international community to take a clear stance following reports of the alleged torture of a young child in Gaza. He said there is “no middle ground” when it comes to standing against such actions.

Qalibaf made the remarks after footage aired by Palestinian media reportedly showed a toddler being abused during an incident involving Israeli forces in central Gaza. The incident has sparked outrage and renewed calls for accountability.

According to reports, the child, identified as Karim, was injured while his father was being questioned at a military checkpoint near the al-Maghazi refugee camp. Medical sources cited in media reports claimed the child suffered serious injuries during the incident.

Qalibaf said that Iran stands for humanity and urged the world to support Gaza, warning that remaining neutral in such situations effectively enables injustice. His statement reflects growing anger in the region over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Reports also indicated that the child was later returned to his family after several hours in custody, while his father remains detained. The incident has further intensified criticism of Israel’s actions in the Palestinian territory.

Since the ceasefire agreement reached last year, hundreds of Palestinians have reportedly been killed and injured in continued violence across Gaza, according to local health authorities.

The broader conflict, which began in October 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza, raising serious humanitarian concerns globally.