Pictured Above: Rescue teams in Iran are looking for people in collapsed buildings. Credit: BBC.

(JNS.org) Iran immediately rejected Israel’s offer of humanitarian aid following the 7.3-magnitude earthquake that rocked the Islamic Republic last weekend. 

“I just saw the pictures of the destruction in Iran and Iraq from this week’s earthquake,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday in remarks delivered via satellite to the Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly in Los Angeles. “And I saw these heartbreaking images of men and women and children buried under the rubble. So I am proud to announce tonight that a few hours ago I directed that we offer the Red Cross medical assistance for the Iraqi and Iranian victims of this disaster.”

Netanyahu added, “I’ve said many times that we have no quarrel with the people of Iran. Our quarrel is only with the tyrannical regime that holds them hostage and threatens our destruction. But our humanity is greater than their hatred. Israel continues to be a light unto the nations and this is what I am proud of. And all of you can be proud of Israel’s morals, and Israel’s might.”

While Netanyahu’s office said that Iran swiftly rejected Israel’s offer of emergency assistance, the Iranian regime has not publicly commented on the issue.

More than 400 people were killed and more than 7,000 were injured Sunday night when the powerful earthquake struck in Iran and Iraq. Tremors were felt throughout the Middle East, including in Israel.

Israel’s outreach was also rejected when the Jewish state offered humanitarian aid to Iran following an earthquake that struck the country in 2003.

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