TEHRAN – Head of Iran’s Red Crescent Association (IRCS) tells the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) that he has said “my heart is broken” in response to a photo of an innocent Iranian child killed in an Israeli strike.
“You shouldn’t be silent. You have to follow up (and take action),” said IRCS head Pilhosine Koliband.
Israeli blind attacks attack target children, women, elderly people and sick people, officials added.
Helps to stop aggression
Kolivand urged ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger to condemn the Zionist regime’s attacks on Iran and to use all available international mechanisms to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers.
On Friday, June 13, Israel launched a massive military attack on Iran’s Islamic Republic, showing serious escalation of regional tensions and raising serious concerns over violations of international law.
Israel attacked targets of Iran’s civil nuclear facilities and housing, resulting in the deaths of dozens of civilians, senior nuclear scientists and senior military officials.
“In deep sorrow and sadness, we would like to inform you that many innocent civilians, including women and children, have lost their lives and many others have been injured following Israel’s brutal and illegal airstrikes in the Islamic Republic of Israel.
“Tradically, one of the relief workers of Iran’s Red Crescent Association martyrs while fulfilling his humanitarian duties.
This hostile conduct constitutes a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, particularly the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and its additional protocols, particularly Article 51 of Protocol I, which relates to the protection of citizens during international armed conflicts.
The attack also violates the principle of distinction and proportion, and clearly corresponds to a war crime.
Iran’s Red Crescent Association strongly condemns this inhumane conduct and, under you and your leadership, as a neutral and humanitarian organisation, formally condemns this attack, and respectfully appeals to exploit all the international mechanisms available to help halt such attacks and protect civilians and humanitarian workers.
We continue to cling to our commitment to neutrality, independence and human principles, and we hope that the International Committee of the Red Cross will act on these principles and fulfill our moral and historical responsibility to protect human rights and international humanitarian law in times of crisis. ”
ICRC representatives sympathize with the IRC
In a message to the head of the IRCS, ICRC representative Vincent Kassad expressed deep sadness over the death of one of the IRCS members in East Azarbaijan after the Israeli missile strike, ISNA reported.
“It is deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Mehdi Zartaji, a dedicated staff member of the Iranian Red Crescent Association, who was killed while performing his duties in East Azabaijan.
On behalf of the International Committee of the Red Cross, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to his family and colleagues.
The loss of rescuers performing their duties is a deeply painful reminder of the dangers humanitarian workers face on their noble mission of saving lives and alleviating human suffering. Zaltaj’s unwavering commitment to providing support in difficult times is remembered with great respect.
In these difficult moments, the International Committee of the Red Cross pays tribute to the dedication and courage of all humanitarian workers who endure the Red Crescent Association of Iran and provide support to communities affected by times of crisis and danger without any hope.
Mr. Koliband please embrace our deepest respect and continued support. ”
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