(IranMania) - Hardline Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad slammed the United Nations for its slowness to act against violence in the Palestinian territories that followed the abduction of an Israeli soldier by Palestinian militants, AFP reported.
"If the international organizations forget their duties in utmost irresponsibility, world nations will lose their hope in them," the state television quoted him as saying.
Iran's arch-foe Israel has ruled out negotiations with the captors of Gilad Shalit, 19, as well as the release of prisoners in exchange for his freedom, reports Trend.
According to the report, Israel sent troops and tanks into northern Gaza Monday and carried out a sixth night of air raids after warning it would use all its power to free the soldier captured on the Israel-Gaza border June 25.
Condemning the "Zionist regime's crimes," the president said: "If the Islamic states and international organizations keep silent about these (Israeli) measures, divine revenge will strike through the hands of nations."
Ahmadinejad has drawn the ire of the international community by calling for the Israel to be "wiped off the map" or moved out of the Middle East.
Militants holding the soldier issued an ultimatum Monday for Israel to begin freeing prisoners by 0300 GMT Tuesday or face unspecified consequences, AFP added.
The ultimatum was immediately rejected by Israel.