Israel War/ Iran's FM writes to UN rights chief, urges immediate accountability for 'Israeli war crimes' in Gaza

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian has reached out to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, urging immediate measures to protect rights of Palestinians. statement, shared on X (formerly Twitter), emphasises need to hold Israel accountable for alleged war crimes committed during ongoing conflict.

Abdollahian condemned what he described as "Zionist regime’s gross and systematic violation of Palestinians’ human rights." He called attention to urgency of halting violence and holding those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity accountable.

In his letter to UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk, Abdollahian stated, " rhetoric by Israeli authorities along with Israel’s ongoing attacks in Gaza Strip indicate that this is 'a campaign for genocide of Palestinian people.'" Iranian minister expressed deep concern over intensity of attacks, suggesting a motive aimed at mass killing.

❇️ Iranian FM writes to #UN Human Rights Chief, calls for measures to stop “Gaza genocide”

✅#Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, in a letter to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk condemned Zionist regime’s gross and systematic… pic.twitter.com/37HxKWNITs

— Foreign Ministry, Islamic Republic of Iran 🇮🇷 (@IRIMFA_EN)

Amidst accusations of impunity, Abdollahian stressed importance of international community, including UN human rights body, fulfilling its duty to hold "Zionist regime" accountable. Iranian diplomat urged swift action to dress alleged human rights violations and bring justice to Palestinians affected by conflict.

Abdollahian highlighted Israel's actions, including forced displacement of Palestinians and a 'total blocke' on Gaza, as stark contrictions to international law. He asserted that Palestinians are not safe anywhere in Gaza due to severe restrictions imposed by Israeli regime on essential resources like water, food, fuel, and electricity.

Escalation of violence: 20th day of deliest Israel-Hamas war

conflict, now in its 20th day, marks deliest of five Gaza wars for both sides. Hamas-run Health Ministry reported a significant toll on Palestinians, with over 5,791 killed and 16,297 wounded. Tensions escalated on October 7, triggered by a surprise incursion by Hamas militants into Israeli territory.

Israeli officials reported over 1,400 casualties, primarily civilians, in response to initial Hamas incursion. ditionally, 222 individuals, including foreigners, were captured by Hamas during conflict and taken into Gaza, according to Israel's military. Four of those captives have since been released.

renewed hostilities on October 7 stemmed from Hamas' response to what y perceived as aggressive actions by Israeli authorities against Al-Aqsa Mosque on Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City. Israel's declaration of a total siege on Gaza led to widespre strikes in Palestinian enclave, as well as in areas of Lebanon and Syria, intensifying clashes in West Bank.