The head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) condemned Israel for launching military attacks targeting humanitarian workers, stressing that such actions seriously violate international law and humanitarian principles.
Pirhossein Kolivand, the official, made the remarks at a press conference in Tehran regarding the Israel-Iran conflict.
Kolivand said five of his colleagues, who were providing aid while wearing identifiable Red Crescent uniforms, were directly attacked.
"Twenty-one medical centers and hospitals have been targeted. Let me give you just one example: right here, the Red Crescent building, where 1,000 people are working, has come under attack. Right in front of us is Valiasr Hospital, with around 250 beds, not to mention the outpatient visitors. Next to us is Shahid Motahari Hospital, the only specialized burn center, with approximately 150-200 beds. Adjacent to us is a care center for individuals with disabilities, located behind the Ameneh Infant Care Center. Across from that is a hospital with 1,000 beds, in addition to the Red Crescent's medical centers nearby and a heart hospital close by," he said.
"It must also be emphasized that even law enforcement forces are not considered legitimate military targets under international law. This area has been subjected to two of the heaviest attacks, resembling an earthquake with a magnitude above 7 or even 8 on the Richter scale. The entire area was engulfed in smoke and dust," he said.
"We have submitted formal complaints to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, the Human Rights Council, the United Nations Secretariat, and every relevant legal body where such actions need to be reported. However, the international community has so far remained noticeably passive and ineffective," Kolivand said.
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.
IRCS head accuses Israel of violating humanitarian principles
The U.S. military strike against Venezuela and capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, has shocked the international community, triggering a steady stream of condemnation and serious concerns worldwide.
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Spain issued a joint statement on Sunday, expressing serious concern about and firm opposition to the U.S. unilateral military operations in Venezuela.
The U.S. actions contravene fundamental principles of international law, particularly the prohibition on the use or threat of force, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, as enshrined in the UN Charter, constituting an extremely dangerous precedent against peace and regional security, according to the statement.
In expressing profound concern and firm rejection, the six countries stressed in the statement that the situation in Venezuela must be resolved exclusively by peaceful means, and through dialogue, negotiation and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people in all its expressions, without external interference and in accordance with international law.
Only an inclusive political process, led by Venezuelans, can lead to a democratic, sustainable solution that respects human dignity, according to the statement.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the U.S. raid in Venezuela as a violation of international law, adding that the Spanish government always advocates and defends international law and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Addressing a meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez demanded the unconditional and immediate release of Maduro and his wife.
Noting that Latin America and the Caribbean are a zone of peace, he expressed his firm opposition to the use of force, which is an unshakable principle.
Any aggression against Venezuela shall be regarded as an attack against all CELAC member states, and nations must collectively oppose it, he stressed.
The South African government denounced the U.S. attack on Venezuela as a violation of international law, according to a statement released on Sunday.
History has repeatedly demonstrated that military invasions against sovereign states yield only instability and deepening crisis, the statement said.
South Africa calls on the UN Security Council to urgently convene a session to address this situation, according to the statement.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said what happened in Venezuela demonstrates that international law and the UN Charter are losing their practical effectiveness.
U.S. military action against Venezuela marks a dangerous precedent, as similar actions could be taken against any other nations, he said.
In addition, the foreign ministries of Namibia, Singapore, Oman and Pakistan also issued statements on the same day, expressing grave concern over U.S. interference in Venezuela's internal affairs.
They emphasized the need to uphold international law and the principles of the UN Charter while respecting Venezuela's sovereignty.
They also called on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve the crisis through peaceful dialogue.
U.S. move against Venezuela sparks condemnation, concerns worldwide
