New york: The future of Palestine must be determined by Palestinians themselves, as he marked the 78th anniversary of Nakba Day and condemned decades of occupation, displacement, and injustice against the Palestinian people, says Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Amir Saeid Iravani stated during the United Nations Commemoration Event Marking the 78th Anniversary of the Nakba that the day marks 'a mass displacement of Palestinians and remains a profound regional tragedy.' He emphasized that the anniversary once again recalls 'the collective expulsion and the long-standing denial of their fundamental rights, including the right to self-determination.'
The Iranian envoy highlighted that despite decades of violence, war crimes, and the continuing effects of occupation, Palestinians had preserved their identity, dignity, and legitimate aspirations. Iravani argued that the Palestinian struggle underscores 'the urgent need for international mobilization' to address the root causes of the crisis, including 'Zionist occupational and expansionist policies' and the 'inhumane pressures' imposed on Palestinians.
Iravani also denounced Israel for 'starving civilians, including children,' and carrying out 'acts of state terrorism aimed at ethnic cleansing and displacement of Palestinians from their homeland.' Reaffirming Tehran's solidarity with Palestinians, he stated that support for their cause must not be limited merely to expressions of sympathy but should involve active efforts to confront the underlying causes of the crisis.
'The continuation of this situation demands a critical reassessment of approaches that have failed to deliver peace or justice,' he said, adding, 'Surrender is not an option.' Iravani concluded by asserting, 'We remain convinced that the future of Palestine must be determined by its own people,' and called on the international community to reject 'double standards' and adopt a more action-oriented approach aligned with 'universal values.'
May 15 marks the anniversary of the Nakba, or catastrophe, the day when the Israeli regime was formed in 1948.