Iran issues 'retaliation' statement against Israel

The UN Security Council (UNSC) convened for an emergency session at the request of Iran and with the support of Russia, China, and Algeria.

Stating that "Haniyeh was assassinated as a result of a terrorist act by the Zionist, occupying Israeli regime," Iravani expressed that the attack is a continuation of Israel's terrorist and sabotage activities in the region.

Iravani said that Israel also has a political agenda, aiming to cast a shadow over the first day of the new government that prioritizes peace and stability in the region.

Stating that Iran condemns the attack in the strongest possible terms, Iravani declared, "We reserve our right to self-defense in accordance with international law."

"We will respond at a time and in a manner of our choosing," said Iravani, affirming that they will respond decisively to Israel's "criminal and terrorist activities," and confirming Iran's commitment to the principles of international law and the UN Charter.

Iravani stated that peace in the region can only be achieved through respect for these principles, adding that Israel maintains an aggressive stance against all countries in the region.

Noting that the "warmongering leaders of the Israeli regime" do not respect the fundamental principles of international law in any way, Iravani emphasized that it should not be ignored that the US also bears responsibility in this context.

Iravani underscored that the international community and the UNSC should not remain silent against horrific crimes, stating, "For 10 months in the UNSC, approximately 10 countries, especially the US, have prevented Israel from being held accountable for its massacre in Gaza and its malicious activities in the region."

Stating that these countries have not only obstructed Palestine's right to self-defense but are also attempting to legitimize Israel's slaughter and genocide against the Palestinian people, Iravani said these countries have also led to the misinterpretation of the concept of self-defense.

Iravani said, "The UNSC must take urgent action to hold Israel accountable for this act of aggression," noting that this should include sanctions and other measures, and that only in this way can the international community prevent Israel's treacherous attacks.

"NO RED LINES FOR ISRAEL"

Feda Abdelhadi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Palestine to the UN, drew attention to the fact that Palestinian civilians are subjected to more fear, pain, and loss every day by the occupying power, Israel.

Underlining that Palestinian leaders condemn the assassination of Haniyeh in the strongest terms, Abdelhadi announced that a period of mourning has been declared in Palestine.

Abdelhadi stated that Israel prefers "terror and violence" over international law, diplomacy, and respect for human life, saying, "There are no red lines for Israel. There is no law or rule it will not violate."

Expressing that for Israel's occupying army and settler militias, no child, woman, man, or baby is off-target, Abdelhadi stated that Israeli leaders believe they will not be punished for their crimes.

Abdelhadi assessed, "They believe this because they have not had to pay any price so far."

Stating that it is time for the international community to face this reality and stop the crimes and attacks, Abdelhadi said, "Israel cannot legitimize the war crimes and crimes against humanity it commits by hiding behind any right."

Abdelhadi said that without any steps taken toward accountability, and without sanctions and pressure, including stopping arms transfers, Israel will continue to be a "rogue state" every day.

"IT WILL SPREAD TO THE WHOLE WORLD"

Hadi Hachem, Chargé d'Affaires of Lebanon's Permanent Mission to the UN, stated that the Lebanese government and people do not want war, saying, "Lebanon remains fully committed to UNSC Resolution 1701."

Pointing out that history will judge everyone, Hachem warned, "The current situation is very painful. The future is dark. If something starts in the Middle East, it will spread to the whole world."