The Iranian society has condemned Israel for launching attacks on residential buildings, innocent civilians and rescuers during the 12-day fighting in June.
A China Media Group (CMG) reporter was granted permission to visit a destroyed building in northeast Tehran, which was attacked by Israel during the 12-day war that started on June 13 when Israel launched surprise attacks on key military and nuclear facilities in Iran.
The 14-story residential building was among the primary targets of Israel's military operation against Iran in the early morning of June 13, and it was completely destroyed after being hit by a missile, according to rescuers who participated in the rescue operation after the attack.
Additionally, the buildings connected to the destroyed one sustained varying degrees of damage and are currently uninhabitable, said the rescuers, adding that as the buildings were severely damaged, the government may plan for complete reconstruction.
According to Iranian authorities, the attack on the building claimed over 50 lives, including more than 20 children.
"In my view, this incident is more than a crime, as ordinary civilians and children were killed here. These individuals committed no offenses and were not involved in military affairs. They were all innocent, and all of this happened while they were asleep," said Reza Makvandi, one of the rescuers.
The head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) Pirhossein Kolivand on Saturday held a press conference in Tehran regarding the Israel-Iran conflict.
He told the media that during the 12-day conflict, Israel attacked over 1,200 residential units in Iran, of which 400 were completely destroyed.
He condemned Israel for not only launching military attacks against Iranian civilians but also for targeting rescuers who were engaged in humanitarian efforts, stressing that such actions were a serious violation of international law and humanitarian principles.
"During the conflict, five of our colleagues were killed. They were carrying out rescue operations, wearing IRCS uniforms. Their attire clearly indicated that they were engaged in rescue operations, but during the rescue process, they became direct targets of attacks rather than being indirectly affected. This constitutes a violation of humanitarian rights and breaches the Geneva Conventions. We have reported all cases of human rights violations to the International Red Cross and will continue to monitor [Israel's] human rights abuses and the incidents involving the killing of rescuers," said Kolivand.
Israel launched a series of major airstrikes on June 13 targeting nuclear and military sites across Iran, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians, and injuring many others, according to Iranian authorities.
Iran retaliated with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory, causing casualties and damage.
A ceasefire between the two countries was reached on June 24, ending 12 days of fighting.
Iran said on July 8 that its death toll from Israeli attacks during the fighting approached 1,100, with 5,750 others injured.
Iranian society condemns Israel for launching attacks on civilian facilities, rescuers
