TEHRAN – Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, has strongly condemned Israel's recent airstrike on an Iranian medical facility located near the Lebanon-Syria border, calling it a clear violation of international humanitarian law and an undeniable war crime.

In letters sent to UN Security Council President Pascale Baeriswyl and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Iravani described the attack as a "heinous and flagrant violation" of international law. "This egregious strike on a humanitarian aid facility is not only a war crime but an attack on life-saving relief efforts aimed at supporting those suffering under relentless aggression by the Israeli regime," Iravani wrote.

The attack, which destroyed a vital hospital established by the Iranian Red Crescent to aid displaced Lebanese civilians, has drawn international outrage.

The facility, established by the Iranian Red Crescent Society, was meant to provide critical medical aid and relief to Lebanese civilians affected by the ongoing conflict, which has intensified with Israel’s military actions in the region. The hospital, equipped with 200 beds, advanced medical technology, oxygen production units, and essential medical supplies, also included two mobile bakeries, food packages, and other necessary relief materials. According to Iravani, the facility’s supplies were entirely destroyed in what he described as a "savage and terrorist attack."

The Iranian envoy stressed that the International Committee of the Red Cross had been formally notified of Iran’s intentions to set up the aid facility. "Despite the clearly humanitarian nature of the hospital and its vital role in assisting displaced civilians, it was deliberately targeted and destroyed," he said.

"The deliberate targeting of medical and humanitarian facilities by the Israeli regime is an undeniable war crime," Iravani stated. He urged the Security Council to condemn the attack in the strongest possible terms and take concrete steps to prevent further violations. "In the face of ongoing genocidal war and relentless aggression by the Israeli occupying regime, it is imperative that the international community uphold its duty to protect civilians, humanitarian aid workers, and medical facilities. These egregious crimes must not go unanswered."

Iravani’s call for action comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with Israel’s military operations causing widespread destruction.

Since the start of its offensive in October 2023, Israel has repeatedly targeted healthcare and educational institutions in Gaza. Numerous hospitals, schools, colleges, and universities have been bombed, with hundreds of educational institutions—including 65 run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA)—either damaged or completely destroyed.

Despite repeated calls from the UN Security Council for an immediate ceasefire, Israel has continued its aggressive military campaign, which critics say is aimed at eradicating the Palestinian population in the besieged Gaza Strip. The ongoing strikes have sparked global criticism, with many accusing the Israeli regime of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.