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 the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, urging immediate measures to protect the rights of Palestinians. The statement, shared on X (formerly Twitter), emphasises the need to hold Israel accountable for alleged war crimes committed during the ongoing conflict.

Abdollahian condemned what he described as the "Zionist regime’s gross and systematic violation of the Palestinians’ human rights." He called attention to the urgency of halting the 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, "The rhetoric by the Israeli authorities along with Israel’s ongoing attacks in the Gaza Strip indicate that this is 'a campaign for the genocide of the Palestinian people.'" The Iranian minister expressed deep concern over the 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 the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk condemned the Zionist regime’s gross and systematic… pic.twitter.com/37HxKWNITs

— Foreign Ministry, Islamic Republic of Iran 🇮🇷 (@IRIMFA_EN) October 25, 2023

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

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

Escalation of violence: 20th day of the deadliest Israel-Hamas war

The conflict, now in its 20th day, marks the deadliest of five Gaza wars for both sides. The 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 the initial Hamas incursion. Additionally, 222 individuals, including foreigners, were captured by Hamas during the conflict and taken into Gaza, according to Israel's military. Four of those captives have since been released.

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