TEHRAN – In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of the UN Security Council, Pascale Christine Baeriswyl, Iran's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Saeed Iravani, has launched a scathing condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon. 

Dated October 17, 2024, the letter points out Israel’s perpetration of "genocide," "war crimes," and "crimes against humanity" against both Palestinians in Gaza and Lebanese civilians.

In his letter, Iravani vehemently rejects Israel's claims that Iran has violated international law, dismissing them as "unfounded accusations," "false narratives," and "disinformation." He argues that Israel's accusations are a deliberate attempt to divert attention away from its own atrocities by inverting the roles of victim and perpetrator. 

The letter mentions the devastating consequences of Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza, highlighting the deaths and injuries of over 200,000 civilians, including the burial of many under the rubble. Iravani condemns Israel's use of starvation as a weapon of war, noting that humanitarian aid has been blocked from reaching northern Gaza for over two weeks. He further condemns the relentless Israeli airstrikes that have resulted in nearly 400 Palestinian deaths and over 1,500 injuries since October 9th, emphasizing the horrific suffering of patients and displaced families, including women and children, who have been denied access to urgent medical care.

Iravani also extends his condemnation of Israel's expansion of its military campaign to Lebanon, stating that the attacks on Beirut and southern Lebanon have caused widespread death and destruction, resulting in over 2,000 casualties, including 127 children, and the displacement of over 1.2 million people. 

The Iranian representative emphasizes that Iran's support for Resistance groups in the region is "entirely legitimate under international law," citing their right to defend themselves against Israel's "illegal occupation and relentless aggression." 

In concluding the letter, Iravani warns that Iran will exercise its "inherent right to self-defense" against any aggression threatening its vital interests and security, particularly from Israel while reiterating Tehran’s commitment to peace and de-escalation. He adds that Iran will inform the Security Council of any necessary response.