Iran Raps US’ Veto of UNSC Draft Resolution on Gaza

In a statement read at a meeting of the UN General Assembly, held on March 4 to discuss the “use of the veto”, Saeed Iravani denounced the exploitation of veto power by the United States.

The text of the statement is as follows:

In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

Mr. President,

Distinguished Colleagues,

1. 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 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.

2. 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.

3. The gravity of the situation in Gaza has garnered widespread attention within the international community. The Israeli authorities are using starvation as a deliberate method of war against the civilian population in Gaza. Regrettably, the Council’s silence has become a license to kill and starve the Palestinian population.

4. 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.

5. We strongly condemn the most recent brutal attack of the Israeli forces against the Palestinian civilians seeking humanitarian aids; The deliberate fire attack by Israeli forces has resulted at death of 117 and about 750 wounded civilians. All this cruelty has been happening in the absence of a demanded cease -fire. We shall precisely address the obstacle that the world has witnessed and that prevented attempts by the Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities and call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the occupied Palestinian Territory.

6. 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.

7. The obstruction by the United States of the Council's Charter duties starkly contrasts with global appeals for an end to the bloodshed, defies the inherent human nature to preserve life, and violates fundamental principles of international law, including humanitarian and human rights law.

8. Even, inadmissible justification presented by the US authorities for harboring such wrongdoing acts in the guise of self-defense, regardless of their illegitimacy, exempts Israel from adhering to the most basic values of humanity, the principles of international law and the compelling rules of international humanitarian law that protect women, children, and unarmed civilians during war, and grantees the Israeli war machine impunity to continue its assault on Palestinian civilians.

9. We once again reiterate our call for an urgent and sustainable ceasefire, which in its absence the tragedy worsens, and could lead to the loss of innocent lives, including children, and women. The paramount imperative is to swiftly implement a ceasefire to prevent widespread starvation in Gaza.

10. We must reiterate the urgency of 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.

11. In conclusion Mr. President, 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. These measures may include the imposition of collective and individual economic sanctions. Furthermore, the international community must pressure the Israeli regime into halting its violations and upholding its international obligations.

I thank you.