Geneva: Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has called for Israel to be held accountable for its actions against Palestinians, urging global humanitarian and rights organizations to classify the regime as a war criminal in international courts. His remarks were made during a meeting with the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (I.C.R.C.) on the sidelines of the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Qalibaf praised the longstanding collaboration between the Iranian Red Crescent and the I.C.R.C., yet stressed the critical issue of Gaza and the alleged crimes perpetrated by the Zionist regime against Palestinians. He acknowledged the I.C.R.C.’s neutrality but emphasized that it should not lead to ignoring facts or showing indifference. Qalibaf accused Israel of committing crimes not only in Gaza but also in Syria, Lebanon, and Iran, and urged the Red Cross to fulfill its duty of addressing humanitarian rights.

The situation in Gaza is described by Qalibaf as dire, with accusations that the Israeli regime is using essentials like food and powdered milk as weapons against the region’s people and children. In response, I.C.R.C. President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger expressed concern over Gaza’s situation and called for enhanced international cooperation to enforce humanitarian law.