WANA (Dec 11) – Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, addressed the 10th Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly on Palestine this evening (Wednesday, December 11). He emphasized that the international community has called for an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories, referencing discussions during the previous session and the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in April.

 

He stated, “The obligation for Israel to end its occupation, as affirmed in the resolution, must include several key components: withdrawal of military forces, cessation of settlement activities, restoration of lands and property to Palestinians, allowing their return to their homeland, ending discrimination against them, compensating for damages, and prosecuting all perpetrators of crimes and violence against Palestinians.”

 

Israel’s Apartheid Policies Continue

 

Iravani added, “The provisions of the resolutions passed in this Assembly are clear and explicit. However, we have seen no positive changes in Israel’s apartheid policies and actions. This regime continues to engage in violence against civilians, aggression, mass killings, mass displacement, mass detentions, mass destruction, collective starvation, and other grave crimes — atrocities committed with unprecedented brutality in human history.”

 

Undermining UN Legitimacy

 

He continued, “Israel’s behavior deliberately disregards UN resolutions to undermine the legitimacy of this organization. The Israeli regime has clearly demonstrated its non-compliance with UN resolutions, including the four resolutions adopted since October 2023 during this emergency session. These resolutions address Palestine’s urgent humanitarian needs, demand an immediate ceasefire in occupied Palestinian territories, call for an end to illegal occupation, and reaffirm Palestinians’ inalienable right to self-determination.”

 

Condemning Attacks on Syria

 

Iravani condemned Israel’s actions beyond Palestine, noting its efforts to extend war, instability, and aggression to other regions, including Syria, Lebanon, and Iran. “We strongly condemn any aggression and attacks by Israeli occupying forces against Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.

 

He further stressed, “Israel consistently violates international law, including human rights and humanitarian laws. This highlights the regime’s systemic failure to meet the conditions for UN membership.”

 

Call to Reassess Israel’s Membership

 

Iravani urged UN members to reconsider Israel’s membership in the organization under Article 6 of the UN Charter. “This step would support the implementation of international resolutions and accelerate the realization of Palestinian rights, including self-determination and the establishment of an independent state with full UN membership,” he said.

 

He also highlighted the immunity enjoyed by Israeli officials despite their numerous crimes. “This impunity persists due to the unconditional support of certain countries and the inaction of the Security Council. Such impunity must end,” he stated.

 

Support for Gaza Ceasefire

 

Iravani reiterated Iran’s support for resolutions calling for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the urgency of the humanitarian situation. However, he clarified that Iran’s support for these resolutions does not affect its longstanding position of non-recognition of the Israeli regime.