Iran condemns 'Israel’s unchecked impunity' for its systematic crimes in Gaza

Iran’s UN ambassador has slammed the Israeli decision to ban the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, calling it an attempt to block the delivery of desperately needed aid in Gaza.

"We strongly condemn the recent Israeli legislation to target UNRWA which seeking to block it from delivering critical support," said Amir Saeid Iravani who also slammed "Israel’s unchecked impunity" for its systematic crimes in Gaza.

"UNRWA remains the backbone of all humanitarian response in Gaza. Its targeting denies Palestinians vital support and adds yet another layer of hardship during this crisis," Iravani wrote. 

He added that Gaza "endures a relentless campaign of devastation and suffering. Over the past year, Israel’s aggressive and genocidal acts have inflicted unprecedented damage on civilians in Gaza."

"The northern Gaza Strip is now under a brutal siege, and Israel’s military operations have turned densely populated areas like Jabalia into active conflict zones, trapping civilians with no access to food, water, or medical care," he stated. 

"This prolonged siege has forced civilians into impossible choices—flee under fire or risk death in place—while humanitarian aid remains blocked, in clear defiance of international humanitarian law," he said.

"Civilians, including countless children and families, are being systematically deprived of essential services, facing starvation, lack of medical aid, and a constant threat of displacement. Israeli apartheid regime continues to use starvation as a weapon," Iravani noted. 

"For over two weeks, all humanitarian aid to Gaza has been halted. The blockade has suspended efforts to deliver essential vaccinations and other life-saving services indefinitely," the Iranian envoy said. 

He added that this act of “collective punishment,” as recognized by the UN Secretary-General, directly contravenes the UN Charter and Israel’s legal obligations.

UN chief Antonio Guterres also penned a protest letter to the Israeli Prime Minister.

Guterres warned against the devastating impact of the UNRWA ban on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the occupied territories.

He reminded Israel that under international law an occupying regime must implement mechanisms for aiding the people living in that occupied territory.

"There is no alternative to UNRWA," Guterres said, adding, "The implementation of these laws would be detrimental for the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and for peace and security in the region as a whole. As I said before, UNRWA is indispensable."

Iravani said that the "Israeli unchecked impunity for widespread and systematic atrocities in the Gaza Strip, along with the unconditional political, military, and economic support it receives from certain Western backers, primarily the United States, has only emboldened its aggressive, and expansionist policies across the region."

"This reckless agenda has now extended the conflict to Lebanon, posing a grave threat to both regional and international peace and security," he stated. 

The Iranian envoy called the occupying regime of Israel "a real threat to international peace and security."

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar also condemned the Israeli decision, calling it a flagrant violation of international law.

They warned of the disastrous consequences of the ban for Palestinians in Gaza.

On Monday, Israel's Knesset enacted legislation prohibiting UNRWA from operating in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories, including East al-Quds and the West Bank, along with Gaza, mandating a complete withdrawal within 90 days.

The Knesset approved two bills: one that prohibits UNRWA from working directly or indirectly in the occupied Palestinian territories and another that cuts off all communication between Israeli authorities and organizations with the agency.

Israeli lawmakers also voted to designate UNRWA as a terror group, nullifying the 1967 agreement that permitted UNRWA to assist Palestinian refugees in the Israeli-occupied territories.

Israel kills another UNRWA staff member in Deir al-Balah

“I can confirm that an UNRWA car was hit. One UNRWA colleague was killed,” spokeswoman Juliette Touma said.

Israel's recent move to ban the key UN agency that aids Palestinian refugees marks another significant strike against the United Nations system, as Israel prime minister Netanyahu has consistently labeled UNRWA workers as "terrorists."

UNRWA services have been severely disrupted since Israel's war on Gaza began in October last year. Israeli forces have hit at least 188 UNRWA installations, including shelters, schools and medical facilities.

The move comes as Israeli forces in a brutal attack on Monday burned down the UNRWA-run Al Fakhoura School in the Jabalia refugee camp killing and injuring dozens of Palestinians.

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