WANA (Oct 01) – Ali Bahraini, Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, condemned Western complicity in the genocide committed by the Israeli regime in Gaza and called for the immediate imposition of comprehensive sanctions against Israel.

 

Speaking Tuesday at a meeting held during the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council, which reviewed a new report on corporate involvement in Israeli settlement construction in the occupied Palestinian territories, Bahraini welcomed the updated UN database and commended the Palestinian Commission of Inquiry. He emphasized that the atrocities in Gaza constitute a crime of genocide.

 

Highlighting the legal element of “specific intent” to destroy a group, Bahraini pointed to the statements and conduct of Israeli officials as undeniable evidence. He asserted that such legal indicators cannot be overlooked.

 

The report, delivered by Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, was prepared under Human Rights Council Resolutions 31/36 and 53/25. It examines 215 high-priority companies out of 596 alleged cases and focuses on those directly involved in settlement-related activities — including the supply of equipment, banking services, resource extraction, and environmental damage.

 

Al-Nashif also referred to the July 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which found Israeli policies to be in violation of Palestinians’ right to self-determination. She urged all states to uphold their legal obligations and refrain from supporting Israel’s illegal presence in the occupied territories.

 

Bahraini reiterated that states have a binding duty under international law to prevent and punish genocide, and must refrain from aiding or abetting it. He condemned Western governments for their complicity in Israel’s crimes and insisted on immediate and comprehensive sanctions.

 

“We will never surrender,” Bahraini concluded. “And we will continue to raise the voice of justice in the face of this genocide.”

 

Several Islamic and Latin American countries echoed Iran’s stance, condemning Israel’s actions during the session.

Medical staff attend a gathering to support Gaza following the Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza, in Tehran, Iran, August 25, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)