Iran: Palestine Has Non-Negotiable Right to Self-Determination, Independent State

By Staff, Agencies

Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations Amir Saied Iravani addressed the UN Security Council on the situation in the West Asia region, including the Palestinian issue, on Wednesday.

“Establishing an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with al-Quds as its capital remains the legitimate aspiration of the Palestinian people,” he said.

He urged all Palestinian groups to remain united, warning that any sort of division only serves "Israel's" interests.

He added that "Israel’s" military actions and the impunity granted to the entity by the United States and some Western countries are the causes of the “severe humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza.

The "Israeli" is committing further atrocities in grave violation of international law amid the US and its Western allies’ continued provision of weapons, political backing, and financial support in grave violation of international law, he emphasized.

“The total blockade of food, water, fuel, and medicine imposed on Gaza constitutes collective punishment. It flagrantly violates the Fourth Geneva Convention and amounts to a war crime,” Iravani said.

The Iranian diplomat stressed the need for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, adding, “Priorities must include humanitarian access, aid delivery, and captive exchanges.”

He further emphasized that a permanent ceasefire in Gaza must be followed by reconstruction efforts based on respect for Palestinians' rights and rejection of any schemes involving forced displacement or resettlement in third countries.

Iravani said the time is ripe for Palestine to become a full member of the United Nations “without conditions” as it meets all membership criteria.

“The US veto of [Security] Council’s resolution ignored the global community's will, which overwhelmingly supported Palestine's membership through a General Assembly resolution with 143 votes in favor,” he added.

In his remarks, the Iranian ambassador also warned that peace and stability in the region will remain elusive if the occupation and aggression do not end.

“The Security Council must compel 'Israel' to withdraw its occupying forces from the Palestinian occupied territories, Lebanon, and Syria, and end its ongoing aggression and violations,” he pointed out.