TEHRAN –Condemning Israeli attacks on Red Cross and Red Crescent medical facilities, Kate Forbes, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has supported the Iranian Red Crescent Society’s efforts aimed at providing relief to oppressed people in Lebanon.

The IFRC is following up on the Lebanon situation and the Israeli bombardment of the IRCS’s field hospital on the border of Lebanon and Syria in the General Assembly and the United Nations, Forbes noted.

Red Crescent centers should not be targeted, she said, adding that the IFRC has addressed the issue on the Red Cross agenda.

The hospital, established to assist displaced Lebanese on the Syrian-Lebanese border, was clearly marked with the Red Crescent flag and symbols. Despite this, the Israeli attack, on October 9, left the facility and its supplies, including food, medicines, and medical equipment, completely destroyed.

 ‘Clear example of war crimes’

Iran has vehemently condemned Israel's attack on a medical facility on the Syria-Lebanon border, labeling it a "clear example of war crimes." 

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated on October 10 that the strike, which destroyed a 56-bed field hospital, ambulances, and all medical equipment, demonstrates Israel's disregard for international law.

Baqaei called for global condemnation of the attack, urging international bodies like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to take action. 

He also stressed the urgent need for international aid to support the thousands of Lebanese displaced by Israel's recent aggression.

This incident comes amidst a wider pattern of Israeli attacks targeting medical facilities and educational institutions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Since the start of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023, Israeli forces have specifically targeted the enclave’s healthcare and education sectors, bombing hospitals, schools, colleges, and universities, including 65 run by UNRWA.

Despite the UN Security Council's call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Israel continues its offensive, aiming for the complete eradication of the Palestinian people trapped in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Also reacting to the attack, Pir-hossein Kolivand, head of the IRCS, confirmed that the hospital was marked with the IRCS flag, IRNA reported. “We intend to file a complaint against Israel through international forums.”

The official made the remarks during a meeting with the UN Resident Coordinator of Iran, Stefan Priesner. The Iranian official condemned the brutal attacks of the Zionist regime on Gaza and Lebanon, the IRCS website reported. 

Referring to Israeli crimes, including targeting civilian areas, killing civilians, and attacking ambulances and rescue forces, hospitals, and health centers, the official warned about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Lebanon and the possibility of genocide. 

He called for the immediate intervention of the United Nations to bring an end to the attacks.

Kolivand also presented a report on the shipment of humanitarian aid by the Iranian Red Crescent Society to Lebanon.

Highlighting the urgent need of the Lebanese for medicine, medical equipment, food, and essential items, Kolivand announced the IRCS's readiness to dispatch more shipments of humanitarian aid. He also stressed the need for active participation and cooperation of the United Nations in the field.

Iran to set up another field hospital in Lebanon

Unfazed by Israeli attacks, the IRCS is planning to set up another hospital in Lebanon.

Condemning Israel’s attack as a clear violation of humanitarian law, Kolivand said “All the essential items including foodstuff, medicines, as well as ambulances are burnt in fire”.

However, “We will set up another field hospital to provide health services to people impacted by war in Lebanon,” the IRCS website reported. 

Shipments of humanitarian aid along with relief teams will be dispatched to Lebanon soon. Basic goods like cooking utensils and canned food are among the needed items.

MT/MG