WANA (Nov 19) – The representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, referring to the adoption of the draft resolution proposed by the United States regarding Gaza, stated that Tehran takes note of the concerns raised by some Security Council members about mechanisms in the resolution that could potentially circumvent the responsibilities of the UN and the Council itself.

 

Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, speaking on Tuesday at the meeting of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee), under the agenda item on “Israeli practices and settlement activities affecting the rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories,” expressed appreciation for the reports presented on the situations in Palestine and the occupied Syrian Golan, and voiced concern over Israel’s “ongoing occupation practices.”

 

He said the available reports indicate “widespread torture and sexual violence against Palestinians,” at a time when the humanitarian consequences of the war have been extremely severe and, according to estimates, “nearly 70,000 civilians—mostly women and children—have been killed in Israel’s recent attacks.”

 

According to Iran’s representative, Israel’s disregard for the advisory opinions of the International Court of Justice and its indifference toward its international obligations “demonstrate the systemic undermining of the legitimacy and effectiveness of the United Nations.” He added that the Court has clearly documented Israel’s extensive violations, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare and the obstruction of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.

 

Iravani stressed that Iran condemns “Israel’s misleading claims against the United Nations,” describing such behavior as “an explicit defiance of international law.”

 

Referring to Israel’s plans to build around 30,000 new settlement units this year, he called the move “an expansion of the network of illegal settlements” and also warned about recent Knesset legislation aimed at annexing the West Bank. He said the international community must “firmly” oppose these policies. Iravani further described the siege of Gaza, the extensive destruction of infrastructure, and the use of starvation in the enclave as “a clear violation of human rights.”

People 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)

He continued by citing reports of “hundreds of ceasefire violations and the killing of more than 270 Palestinians in just the past month,” saying this reflects the conduct of an actor that “consistently fails to meet its obligations.” Iran reiterated its support for any credible initiative aimed at ending the war, achieving the complete withdrawal of occupying forces, establishing a sustainable ceasefire, and guaranteeing the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people.

 

Responding directly to the U.S. draft resolution on Gaza, Iravani said many Security Council members—despite voicing concerns—voted in favor of the text with the aim of immediately halting bloodshed, protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian assistance, and ensuring the full withdrawal of Israeli forces. He stressed that none of the mechanisms in the resolution should be implemented in a way that undermines the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state.

 

The Iranian representative added, “Gaza is an integral part of Palestinian territory, and its unity and territorial integrity must be preserved.” He stated that the area should be administered by a Palestinian transitional committee and that no form of occupation, annexation, or forced displacement should be justified under this resolution.

 

Iravani also called for the free and unhindered distribution of humanitarian aid across Gaza by the United Nations and emphasized that the end of the war must not negate the responsibility of states and international institutions to ensure justice and accountability. “The perpetrators and instigators of war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity in Gaza must be prosecuted, and Israel’s era of impunity must come to an end,” he said.

 

In another part of his remarks regarding the situation in the occupied Syrian Golan, he described Israel’s military presence and actions in the area as “illegal and contrary to UN resolutions,” stressing that Israel’s attempts to impose its laws and administration on the Golan “lack any legal validity.”