Displacement of Gazans a clear example of ‘crime against humanity’: Iran

November 4, 2023 - 22:50

TEHRAN- Iran’s deputy permanent representative to the UN office in Geneva has vehemently denounced the Israeli regime’s attempts to expel the Palestinian inhabitants from the Gaza Strip, calling it a “crime against humanity”.

Mahdi Aliabadi made the comments on Friday at a session of the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Permanent Committee.

“The Israeli regime’s ruthless attacks on Gaza will lead to a new displacement crisis. The occupiers have resolved to forcibly evacuate Gaza’s population, something which serves as another example of crime against humanity by the Zionist regime,” Aliabadi stressed.

Aliabadi went on to add, “The IOM’s members cannot remain indifferent towards this crisis, and simply bear witness to the formation of a new crisis of displacement and migration.”

He stressed, “It is necessary that the organization adopt a strong and decisive position concerning whatever measure that leads to forcible evacuation of Gaza’s population.” 

As a result, the envoy urged the international community to seriously consider revoking Israel’s membership in the IOM.

The remarks came amid a savage campaign waged by the Israeli regime against the coastal Gaza region since October 7, which has so far killed roughly 9,061 people, including 3,700 children and over 2,300 women.

In response to the Israeli regime’s decades-long campaign of land theft and violence against Palestinians, Hamas launched an operation called “al-Aqsa Storm” which prompted the regime to declare war on the coastal strip that houses 2.3 million population.

Delivering a speech as the president of the 15th session of the Social Assembly of the Human Rights Council on Thursday, Ali Bahraini, the Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, emphasized the importance of lifting sanctions to facilitate the global development of science, technology, and the building of a better world.

Bahraini pointed out that the global Coronavirus epidemic has highlighted the need for cooperation and solidarity in ensuring equal access to resources necessary to combat such crises. 

He posed a moral question, asking whether the world would face similar challenges if faced with another crisis like COVID-19.

“If the barriers to technology transfer and utilization are lifted, science, technology, and innovation can serve as the foundation for constructing a better world,” the Iranian diplomat stated, underscoring that every country can harness its potential for development and become a complementary force for global advancement if certain states put an end to their colonial policies. 

Furthermore, Bahraini highlighted the role of technology in fostering a brighter future for all, with a particular focus on empowering women and youth.