Iran condemns Israeli assault on Gaza Strip that targets Tehran ally Hamas

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran has condemned Israel's military assault on the Gaza Strip.

Iranian state TV on Thursday quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast as calling the Israeli bombardment of Gaza "organized terrorism."

Mehmanparast also said the silence of international organizations regarding Israel's actions has encouraged the Jewish state to pursue more aggressive policies. He urged other countries to cut ties with Israel as a punitive measure.

Israel launched its military operation Wednesday with the assassination of Hamas' top military commander in Gaza. It then pounded the seaside strip with a series of strikes from warplanes, tanks and naval gunboats. Israel warned that it could widen the offensive to include a ground attack.

Iran is a close ally of Gaza's Hamas rulers. Neither Hamas nor Iran recognizes Israel.