Iran: Israeli raid on Aleppo airport is violation of intl. law, UN Charter

Iran’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations has deplored the latest Israeli airstrike against the airport in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, saying that the raid constitutes a violation of international humanitarian principles, the United Nations Charter and a serious threat to the peace and stability of the West Asia region.

Addressing a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on “The situation in the Middle East: (Syria)”, held in New York on Thursday, Zahra Ershadi  said that while the international law prohibits targeting of vital civilian infrastructure and it is necessary to observe humanitarian principles, the Israeli regime continues to commit acts of aggression and terrorist attacks against Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity by deliberately and systematically targeting its critical infrastructure.

“The Israeli regime, in line with its aggression and acts of terror, carried out several airstrikes on Aleppo International Airport on March 7, and temporarily took it out of service. Another terrorist attack happened just yesterday, March 22,” she said.

Ershadi added, “These terrorist attacks have severe humanitarian repercussions for the people of Aleppo, who are currently facing a humanitarian crisis, and will only worsen their situation. We strongly condemn these heinous crimes as they target civilian infrastructure and violate international humanitarian law as well as the United Nations Charter, and pose a serious threat to peace and stability in the region.”

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The senior Iranian diplomat noted that the international community must condemn such attacks and crimes, hold the Tel Aviv regime accountable for the crimes, and adopt necessary measures to prevent further encroachment on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. 

“The Security Council, in particular, should put aside its dual standards, assume its responsibility, and condemn Israel for its constant violations of the fundamental principles of the international law and the UN Charter,” she said.

“While we reiterate our commitment to the national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Syria, we will continue our sustained efforts together with our partners within the framework of the Astana process to secure a lasting normalcy of the situation in Syria,” the Iranian envoy highlighted.

Ershadi  condemned the illegal presence of foreign military forces in Syria as a clear violation of the UN Charter and international law, which "constitutes the main source of insecurity in the country and must come to an end.”

“We welcome the recent diplomatic contacts between Syria and regional and international partners. Improvement in Syria’s diplomatic relations within the region and beyond is critical to ensuring the country’s security, stability and prosperity. Such developments can especially contribute to the safe and sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced persons. We stand ready to offer assistance in this regard,” the Iranian envoy also said.

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She warned that "the humanitarian situation in Syria is still dire, especially after the recent devastating earthquake. We appreciate the UN and humanitarian agencies working tirelessly to provide aid and support to those affected in Aleppo, Hama and Latakia."

“We call on the international community and donors to continue to support humanitarian efforts in Syria,” she stated.

“Iran appreciates the continuous efforts of the Syrian government to help and facilitate humanitarian aid to all parts of Syria. Iran insists that Resolution 2672 (2023) be fully implemented with focus on early and primary recovery projects that are vital for rebuilding Syria's infrastructure. These efforts should not only help the Syrian people, but would also pave the way for sustainable and long-term development in the country,” Ershadi pointed out.

She said, “It is also very important that humanitarian aid be provided impartially, and without any discrimination, politicization or any other conditions. This is vital to ensure that the most vulnerable receive the aid they need and that humanitarian efforts are not hindered by external factors.”

Ershadi also said the international community, in the meantime, should focus on removal of unilateral and inhumane Western sanctions in order to solve the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria more effectively.

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“These illegal actions have made the Syrian people's access to basic needs very challenging and hindered the Syrian government's ability to provide essential services and improve conditions," she said, noting,"Iran was one of the first countries to respond to Syria's humanitarian requests."

She also stressed that Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollagian visited the earthquake-affected areas of Latakia on March 18 at the head of a delegation. 

A devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake and series of aftershocks struck southeastern Turkey and northwestern Syria on February 6.

The official death toll has exceeded 50,000 in both countries, with millions still displaced and in desperate need of basic assistance.

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