TEHRAN– The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has announced readiness to dispatch humanitarian aid and relief teams to Lebanon to assist the people affected by the recent Israeli attacks in the Dahiya district in Beirut.

The Lebanese Health Ministry said at least 105 people were killed around the country in airstrikes Sunday.

Two strikes near the southern city of Sidon, about 45 kilometers south of Beirut, killed at least 32 people, the ministry said. Separately, Israeli strikes in the northern province of Baalbek Hermel killed 21 people and wounded at least 47.

Following the tragic events, the head of the IRCS, Pirhossein Kolivand,  conveyed a message to the Regional Director at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies –IFRC, Middle East & North Africa (MENA),  Hossam Elsharkawi, President of the Lebanese Red Cross, Antoine Zoghbi, and Lebanese Health Minister Firas al-Abid expressed the IRCS's readiness to provide humanitarian assistance to Dahiya, IRCS website reported.

The message reads:

The Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran gives compliments to you and all your esteemed staff and volunteers in the Lebanese Red Cross Society.

The news of the tragic incident which has occurred in the Dahiya district in Lebanon caused us heartfelt sorrow.

The incident has caused the loss of numerous lives and the injuries of your fellow countrymen which has intensified the sufferings and griefs.

The Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran condemns the terrorist attacks and expresses sympathy with the bereaved families and the victims of this saddening incident. It declares that the society stands with you and the honorable Lebanese nation in this hard situation.

As a humanitarian organization, we are always ready to do our best to contribute to you and the Lebanese people and support you by sending the relief consignments as well as dispatching the relief teams.

We do sympathize with the families of the victims and wish for immediate recovery of the injured people. We are willing to share our experiences to promote humanitarian conditions in the future, as well.

Escalation of hostilities in Lebanon is alarming: IFRC official

The Secretary General of the Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Jagan Chapagain, has said that the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon is deeply concerning, the IRCS website reported.

The recent event has caused devastating loss of life and widespread destruction. 

Our thoughts are with the Lebanese people in these hard times. I commend the bravery and dedication of Lebanese Red Cross staff and volunteers who work tirelessly in these challenging conditions to support those in need.

While providing urgent humanitarian aid is critical to alleviate suffering, it cannot be the only response.

An enduring political solution is urgently needed to bring lasting peace and stability to the region.

IRCS dispatches medical, rescue teams to Lebanon

Following the terrorist attack in Lebanon on September 24, the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) dispatched medical teams and rescue forces to help victims of the incident.

At least 11 people were killed and over 3,000 people were injured after hundreds of pagers used by members of Hezbollah exploded across Lebanon.

Early on Wednesday, September 25, Kolivand along with a team that encompassed 12 specialists and general practitioners, as well as 12 relief workers headed Lebanon, IRNA reported.

“The rescue team including optometrists are dispatched with the coordination of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the health ministry of Lebanon to provide humanitarian aid to those injured,” the IRCS website quoted Kolivand as saying.

The official also announced readiness to transfer injured people to Iran to receive further services if needed.

The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry has vehemently denounced the pager explosions, describing the tragedy as an act of mass murder perpetrated by the occupying Israeli regime.

“Today’s terrorist attack in Lebanon is a continuation of hybrid operations being conducted by the Zionist regime and their mercenaries, runs counter to all moral and humanitarian principles as well as international laws, particularly the international humanitarian law, and deserves international criminal prosecution, trial, and punishment,” Nasser Kan’ani said in a statement on September 24, Press TV reported.

He went on to term the act of terror as a clear example of mass murder, stating that the incident clearly proves that the Zionist regime has exposed regional and international peace and security to serious threats at the same time as it is committing war crimes and genocide against Palestinian people.

Kan’ani then called upon the international community to take immediate action against the impunity of criminal Israeli authorities.

MT/MG