Iran’s UN Envoy Condemns Israeli Actions, Stresses Palestinian Rights in Global Forums
In a firm diplomatic address at the United Nations, Iran’s representative articulated the nation’s position on the Palestinian issue and recent international resolutions, underscoring a commitment to international law and the rights of the Palestinian people.
A Critique of the US-Drafted Resolution
Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s Permanent Representative to the UN, addressed the Security Council’s recent adoption of a US-drafted resolution concerning Gaza. He stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran acknowledges the serious concerns raised by several Council members regarding mechanisms within the resolution that appear to circumvent the established responsibilities of the United Nations and the Security Council itself.
While noting that many members voted in favor of the resolution with the urgent aim of ending the bloodshed in Gaza, Ambassador Iravani emphasized that the resolution and its mechanisms must not be interpreted or implemented in a way that violates or undermines the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Condemnation of Israeli Policies and Actions
In his speech to the Special Political and Decolonization Committee, Ambassador Iravani delivered a strong critique of Israel’s ongoing policies. He expressed profound regret over reports documenting widespread torture and sexual violence against Palestinians, alongside the continuous expansion of illegal settlements.
He highlighted that the human consequences have been catastrophic, with a significant number of civilian casualties, predominantly women and children. The ambassador condemned what he described as Israel’s systematic undermining of the UN’s legitimacy and its disregard for consecutive advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which have emphasized the obligation to end its illegal presence in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The Path Forward: Ceasefire, Aid, and Upholding Rights
Ambassador Iravani reiterated Iran’s firm support for any credible initiative aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, ensuring a complete withdrawal of occupying forces, establishing a permanent ceasefire, and facilitating the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.
He firmly stated that Gaza is an inseparable part of the Palestinian territory and must be placed under the administration of a Palestinian transitional committee. Any form of annexation, occupation, or forced displacement under the new resolution must not be permitted or justified, a point he noted was echoed by many Security Council members. He further asserted that humanitarian aid must be distributed freely and without interference through UN institutions across all of Gaza.
A Call for Accountability and Justice
Concluding his address, the Iranian ambassador stressed that ending the war, while crucial, does not absolve the international community of its legal, moral, and humanitarian responsibilities to ensure justice and accountability. He called for an end to what he described as decades of impunity, stating that the perpetrators of war crimes must be prosecuted.
The statement reinforces Iran’s diplomatic stance on the world stage, advocating for a resolution that fully respects Palestinian sovereignty and adheres to the principles of international law.
