Statement of the Islamic Republic of Iran, July, 2016

Emboldened by that impunity and by Security Council inaction, Israel, the occupying Power, has intensified its illegal, oppressive measures against the defenceless Palestinian civilian population, including, inter alia, the use of excessive force against Palestinian civilians, including children and women, causing more death and injury and depriving them of their right to protection. The destructive impact of such Israeli violations is immense, as reflected in rising tensions and deteriorating socioeconomic conditions, and that impact is deepening among the Palestinian civilian population living under this nearly half-century of Israeli occupation. Any justification for such criminality must be rejected and action on the matter — in line with United Nations resolutions, international law and our moral responsibilities towards the question of Palestine — is long overdue.