Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Es’hagh Al-Habib, made the remarks in his address to an emergency meeting of the United Nations General Assembly to vote on a resolution condemning Israel for Palestinian deaths in Gaza.
The text, which was put forward by Algeria and Turkey on behalf of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, condemns Israel’s “excessive use of force” and calls for “protection of the Palestinian civilian population” in Gaza.
“We voted in favor of the resolution because the international community must stand by the Palestinian people and deplore their killing by the Zionist regime,” the Iranian UN envoy said at the meeting.
Al Habib noted Razan al-Najjar, the 21-year-old Palestinian medical nurse shot dead by an Israeli sniper during protests on June 1, which came after weeks of Palestinian protests, known as the Great March of Return, during which more than 100 Palestinian protesters were killed by Israeli fire.
“She was wearing a medical vest and no pretext and excuse should be allowed to justify such a crime,” Al Habib stressed.
He also called for an end to the siege over Gaza, saying that Palestinians should have an independent country with a capital established in Jerusalem al-Quds.
The US voted against the resolution condemning Israel’s crimes, a move that the Iranian envoy said indicated Washington’s unconditional support for the Israeli regime, which is committed to no international or human rights regulations.
The Arab-backed resolution was approved by 120 votes in favor, and only 8 votes against.
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