By Tasnim News (World News) | Created at 2024-10-25 12:05:29 | Updated at 2024-10-25 14:25:54
2 hours ago
In a formal letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the president of the Security Council, Iravani condemned the targeted killings of an Iranian citizen and a physician in Beirut, urging the council to hold Israel accountable for its continuous breaches of international law and the UN Charter.
"On 19 October 2024, an Israeli drone launched a missile strike on the personal vehicle of Ms. Masoumeh Karbasi, an Iranian national, and her Lebanese husband, in the densely populated area of Jounieh, Beirut," Iravani wrote.
"After narrowly escaping the initial missile, the couple sought refuge at the side of the street, only to be struck moments later by a second missile, leading to their deaths," he added.
The ambassador stressed that the attack, captured by surveillance cameras and widely shared through media outlets, revealed Israel's blatant disregard for civilian lives and international legal principles.
Iravani described the attack as "another brazen act of terrorism" and noted that it constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.
He also highlighted a second assassination: "On 22 October 2024, in an outrageous and deliberate strike, Israel assassinated Dr. Ali Heidari, an Iranian physician and relief worker, in Beirut."
He explained that Dr. Heidari was carrying out life-saving duties, providing critical medical care to the wounded and supporting those in need, when he was killed.
"This assassination is not only a despicable act of violence but also a clear violation of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which expressly prohibit attacks on hospitals and medical personnel," Iravani emphasized.
He stated that such actions by Israel amount to war crimes under international law.
The ambassador further stressed that the killings represent not just violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty but also an attack on the international community’s efforts to uphold humanitarian principles.
"Since the start of the genocidal assaults in Gaza, followed by continuous aggression and war crimes in Lebanon, Israel has relentlessly targeted hospitals, medical facilities, and personnel," he wrote.
"Additionally, hundreds of medical workers have been brutally killed by this regime," Iravani added.
Iran’s envoy called on the Security Council to unequivocally condemn Israeli crimes and adopt decisive measures to hold the regime accountable for its ongoing violations of international law and the UN Charter, including breaches of humanitarian law.
Iravani also requested that Secretary-General Guterres ensure these violations are documented comprehensively in reports to the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Human Rights Council.
