Iran Press/ America: The draft resolution (S/2024/173) presented by Alegria was vetoed by the US, despite receiving widespread support from the UNSC member states.
Despite international pressure, the UN Security Council, with five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members, has not been able to stop the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip or establish a ceasefire there as the US has vetoed several such resolutions in favor of Israel. Washington and its Western allies also keep backing Israel with money and weapons and turn a blind eye to the bloodshed of Palestinians in Gaza.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the Israeli war on Gaza has left more than 30,000 people martyred and over 27,000 others wounded since October 7.
Iran's ambassador in his speech stated: "A few days ago, the international community once again witnessed another unjust use of the veto power by the US during the voting on a draft resolution (S/2024/173) presented by Algeria, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire despite receiving widespread support from Member States and nations globally, the US shamefully wielded its veto power against the resolution. The actions of the US administration in this regard will undoubtedly be scrutinized by both nations and history alike."
Iravani added: "Iran commends the valuable efforts and unwavering dedication of Algeria within the Security Council, particularly in addressing the ongoing situation in Gaza. We commend their initiative in presenting a robust draft resolution aimed at achieving the long-awaited ceasefire. We express our gratitude to the 13 Council members who supported the ceasefire in Gaza by voting in favor of the draft resolution."
Iranian envoy to the UN added: "Moreover, the international community is deeply alarmed by Israel's decision to invade Rafah, foreseeing dire consequences for the densely populated region. Additionally, the Israeli regime's actions in Lebanon and Syria, which contravene international law and the United Nations Charter, have further exacerbated tensions and raised concerns about destabilization in the region."
Iravani noted: "We strongly condemn the most recent brutal attack of the Israeli forces against the Palestinian civilians seeking humanitarian aid; The deliberate fire attack by Israeli forces has resulted in the death of 117 and about 750 wounded civilians. All this cruelty has been happening in the absence of a demanded cease-fire."
The Iranian diplomat continued to say: "It is regrettable that the United States has decided to turn a blind eye to the realities and vehemently supports the ongoing genocide by Israel. It even ignores loud calls from its own nation. A self-immolation incident happened in Washington last week, by a 25-year-old US active-duty airman, Aaron Bushnell, indicates that how the conscience of the people of the world has been deeply wounded by the amount of violence against Palestinians, and how American people are desperately ashamed of the policies of their own rulers."
Iravani added: "We must reiterate the urgency of the implementation of obligations under international humanitarian law and the provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), on 26 January 2024. These measures are imperative to ensuring humanitarian aid reaches the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip."
Iran's envoy to the UN, in conclusion, added that considering the Security Council's current impasse, I wish to emphasize the obligations of the third parties under international law as well as outlined in provisional measures of the ICJ on 26 January 2024. All member states are not only required to refrain from recognizing or assisting the Israeli regime in its pursuit of genocide but are also obligated to take the required steps to prevent such war crimes and acts of genocide. Therefore, we urge the international community and all sovereign states to implement necessary measures to compel Israel to cease its genocidal war and aggression against the Palestinian people." 219
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