Islamic Iran calls for international action to end Israel attack on Gaza

Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has condemned the inhumane strikes by the Israeli regime on the Gaza Strip, calling for firm and immediate international action to end Israel’s brutality against Palestinians.

Salehi made the remarks in separate letters to the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, and EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Chief Catherine Ashton.

“These brutal assaults have preoccupied the public opinion in the region and the world with the possible implementation of the Israeli regime’s threats with regards to mass murder of the Palestinian nation and increasing instability and insecurity in the region,” Salehi noted.

He also called for strong and immediate international action to stop the continuation of Israel’s military attacks on Gazans who have been under a cruel siege in recent years, saying the blockade of Gaza Strip should end in order to prevent a human disaster.

The Iranian foreign minister added that, restoring the legal and all-out rights of the Palestinian nation will be only assured by putting an end to the Zionist occupation of the Palestinian territories.

At least 17 people have been killed in new wave of Israeli aggression against Gaza Strip since Wednesday.

The Israeli military frequently carries out airstrikes and other attacks on Gaza Strip, saying the actions are being conducted for defensive purposes. However, in violation of international law, disproportionate force is always used and civilians are often killed or injured.

Gaza has been blockaded since 2007, a situation that has caused a decline in the standard of living, unprecedented levels of unemployment, and unrelenting poverty.

The apartheid regime of Israel denies about 1.7 million people in Gaza their basic rights, such as freedom of movement, jobs that pay proper wages, and adequate healthcare and education.