TEHRAN – Amir Saied Iravani, the Iranian ambassador to the UN, has written a letter to the United Nations Security Council regarding Israel’s threat to use nuclear weapons against the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. 

“I wish to draw the Security Council's attention to a matter of utmost concern: the threat to use nuclear weapons by the Israeli regime against the vulnerable and innocent civilians in the besieged Gaza Strip. The defenseless Palestinian people of Gaza, who have been subjected to persistent Israeli military aggression, horrible savage killings, atrocities, and collective punishment, all in flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, now face a nuclear threat from the lawless regime of Israel,” Iravani said in the letter.

The letter comes after Amichai Eliyahu, Israel's Heritage Minister, said in a recent interview with Radio Kol Berama on November 5, 2023, that nuking the Gaza Strip is one of Israel’s options. He also said that Gazans should go to Ireland or deserts. 

Iravani said the Israeli minister’s assertion “heightened” Iran’s concern. 

“It is deeply concerning to note that this is the second time in just two months that senior Israeli officials have resorted to the threat of using nuclear weapons. Before this, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Israeli regime, in his address on September 22, 2023, at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, made explicit threats regarding the use of nuclear weapons against Iran,” the Iranian ambassador added. 

Iravani further said, “The use or even the mere threat of nuclear weapons, irrespective of the circumstances or the responsible party, constitutes a flagrant violation not only of international law but also of the fundamental principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, especially Article 2(4). Furthermore, what makes this situation even more alarming is when such dire threats originate from the authorities of an occupying regime, which has displayed a consistent disregard for international humanitarian law and is continuing its unabated heinous crimes against the Palestinian people, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity and even using starvation as a method of warfare in the besieged Gaza Strip. Additionally, their refusal to heed the international community's widespread call for a ceasefire sends shockwaves throughout the global community.”

He noted, “The Islamic Republic of Iran calls for the international community to condemn the Israeli regime's reckless and dangerous statements and to apply pressure to ensure that Israel fully cooperates with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and adheres to its safeguards and verification procedures; dismantles its nuclear weapons program; and joins and fully implements all relevant international treaties and conventions on Weapons of Mass Destruction.”

Israel working to displace Palestinians

In a statement before a UN General Assembly meeting, Iravani extensively addressed how Israel continues to violate international law in dealing with the Palestinians. 

He said the Israeli regime continues to take over Palestinian lands. “During the occupation, many people were forced to evict their homes as a result of systematic demolitions. It is clear that these actions constitute one of the most egregious, and gross violations of human rights. The number of incidents of violence and fire committed by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, particularly women and children, has increased over the past year, usually accompanied by or backed by Israeli forces,” Iravani said.

He stated, “This regime remains determined to occupy more lands and integrate them into other occupied areas. This constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. In order to force Palestinians to leave their homelands, this regime continues to enact self-made regulations, policies, and practices. Accordingly, this regime for serving Israeli settlers violates the human rights of Palestinians by constructing infrastructures for them at the expense of changing the local geography and economy of Palestinians, including destroying their homes, confiscating their lands, and destroying their natural resources as well as their public amenities, such as hospitals and schools.”

Referring to Israel’s aggression against the Gaza Strip over the past month, Iravani said the General Assembly has the responsibility and obligation to condemn Israel's military aggression and ethnic cleansing. “It must also adopt the necessary measures to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes and crimes against humanity,” he noted. 

Iravani said, “As a result of the abysmal failure of its illegal order aimed at forcing Palestinians to leave their homeland, the apartheid regime has decided to destroy their homes and cities entirely, leaving them without a place to live.”

He added, “The dire situation in Gaza necessitates achieving the full ceasefire as a priority, and then, immediate and comprehensive action to facilitate Gaza's reconstruction is needed.”

Iravani also said that Israel and its supporters should be compelled by the international community to pay their contribution and be held liable for war reparations.

The Iranian diplomat also reiterated Iran's support for the Palestinian people in their struggle against occupation and in exercising their inalienable right to self-determination through the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.