TEHRAN – Iran has spearheaded a joint statement on behalf of multiple nations, calling for the recognition of Zionism as a form of racism, citing systematic human rights violations against Palestinians by the Israeli regime.

The statement was delivered by Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Ali Bahraini, during the 56th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday. Addressing the session, which included the UN special rapporteur on racism, Bahraini represented a coalition of Islamic and independent nations.

Bahraini's speech called for the revival of UN Resolution 3379, which historically defined Zionism as a form of racism. The ambassador emphasized that Israel's ongoing and systematic violations against Palestinians warrant such recognition.

The joint statement also referenced a 2017 report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), which labeled Israel as an “apartheid regime.” This report underscored the international legal principle prohibiting racial discrimination and apartheid.

The statement concluded with a strong appeal to the international community, urging decisive action against Israeli entities responsible for crimes against humanity.

The conflict in Gaza has inflicted devastating losses, with Israeli actions since October 7 leading to the deaths of at least 38,295 Palestinians, primarily women and children, and injuring 88,241 others.

Despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, Israel's ongoing crimes in the beleaguered enclave have drawn widespread global condemnation.

Over nine months into the Israeli war, vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has highlighted the dire and chaotic conditions in Gaza, describing the situation as "total lawlessness."