Iran’s U.N. Envoy Condemns Global ‘Moral and Legal Failure’ to Prevent Israeli Actions in Gaza

The ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has drawn severe criticism from Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani. He emphasized the “deep moral and legal failure” of the international community to intervene and prevent the atrocities resulting from Israeli attacks, further exacerbated by support from the United States and its allies.

During his address to the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday, Iravani stated, “Their continued provision of weapons, political backing, and financial support enables Israel to commit further atrocities in grave violation of international law.” Below are the highlights from his powerful speech:

Thank you, Mr. President.

We speak at a time of deep moral and legal failure. Gaza is enduring a severe humanitarian catastrophe, not solely due to Israeli military actions, but also because of the impunity granted by the United States and some Western countries. Their continued provision of weapons, political backing, and financial support enables Israel to commit further atrocities in grave violation of international law.

The total blockade of food, water, fuel, and medicine imposed on Gaza constitutes collective punishment. It flagrantly violates the Fourth Geneva Convention and amounts to a war crime.

At the same time, illegal settlements are expanding, Palestinians are being forced off their land, their homes demolished, their movement restricted, and subjected to settler attacks. These acts are part of a larger plan to annex land and erase Palestinian presence. Such illegal acts violate international law and Security Council resolutions.

Against this backdrop, Iravani emphasized the following key points:

1. Immediate and Unconditional Ceasefire: Gaza requires a ceasefire to prioritize humanitarian access, aid delivery, and prisoner exchanges.
2. Reconstruction Efforts: Post-ceasefire, reconstruction must respect the rights of Palestinians, rejecting forced displacement or resettlement schemes.
3. UN Membership for Palestine: It is time for Palestine to achieve full UN membership, as it meets all necessary criteria.
4. Right to Self-Determination: The Palestinian right to self-determination is non-negotiable, aiming for an independent state with Al-Quds as its capital.
5. End Occupation for Peace: Lasting peace and stability in the region can only be achieved by ending the occupation and aggression.

Mr. President, in conclusion, Iravani warned that the primary threat to peace and stability in the region stems from the actions of the Israeli regime and its main supporter, the United States. He stated, “The existence of this regime is built on terror, murder, aggression, and occupation.” Furthermore, he pointed out that Israel continues to act aggressively against Lebanon and Syria, largely due to unwavering support from the U.S.

“If the U.S. stopped its support just today, Israel would be forced to follow international law and respect its obligations,” he added. The ambassador urged the Security Council to take immediate action to uphold international law, defend the UN Charter, and protect civilians from further harm.

I thank you, Mr. President.