TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized continued violations of international law arising from Israeli actions in the occupied Palestinian territories and Lebanon, saying the international community has a responsibility to help stop these “crimes”.
Arraguchi made the remarks in a telephone conversation with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Callas on Friday night.
A report by Gaza’s health authorities estimates that more than 69,700 people have been killed and more than 170,000 injured during Israeli military operations since October 7, 2023. As Israeli operations expand and the blockade deepens, essential services continue to erode, leaving civilians in the enclaves with increasingly limited access to basic necessities.
Amnesty International said on Thursday that Israel “continues to commit genocide” against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip despite a ceasefire reached last month. Amnesty International Secretary-General Agnès Callamard warned that a ceasefire risked creating a “dangerous illusion” of a return to normalcy, arguing that reducing attacks and limiting aid deliveries would not change the overall humanitarian situation.
Amnesty International previously concluded in December 2024 that Israel’s actions in Gaza were consistent with elements of the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, citing acts allegedly intended for the “total or partial” destruction of Palestinians, including the imposition of conditions that threaten their physical survival. In its latest update, the group said Israel continues to severely restrict the entry of supplies and the restoration of essential services needed by civilians.
Although a year has passed since the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, the situation remains unstable. The ceasefire ended 66 days of escalation but did not bring lasting security. Lebanese authorities have reported hundreds of Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace, causing severe damage to parts of the south. Destruction of homes, farmland and infrastructure continues in southern Lebanon. Lebanese authorities estimate that around 300 people have been killed in incidents related to ceasefire violations, and around 400 violations have been recorded so far. Recent Israeli attacks on Palestinian refugee camps left more than a dozen civilians dead.
Both officials also mentioned Iran’s nuclear file, with Aragushi outlining the Iranian government’s current position.
Both sides emphasized the need to continue regular communication and consultations between Iran and its European partners to exchange views on regional and global issues.