Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has highlighted the role the Vatican can play in ending Israeli crimes against the Palestinians in the besieged Gaza.

Iran believes that the Vatican can play an influential role in ending the Israeli regime’s genocide in Palestine, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said in a meeting with the Vatican's Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, held on the sidelines of the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva on Wednesday.

He added that what is happening in Gaza is genocide, which the world cannot tolerate anymore.

Iran considers Hamas as a freedom-seeking movement that is struggling against Israeli occupation, he stated, adding that Tehran does not favor the expansion of war in the region.

For his part, Parolin voiced concern about the status quo in Palestine, saying that the Vatican supports the efforts to ensure a ceasefire in Gaza.

He also pointed to the Vatican’s push for the delivery of humanitarian aid supplies to Palestine, stressing the need for a political solution to the crisis.

More than 18,400 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7.