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
