Iranian MP condemns silence on Israeli atrocities in Gaza

TEHRAN – Sara Fallahi, Ilam representative to the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, criticized the silence of human rights defenders regarding the actions of the Israeli regime in Gaza, which have led to a serious humanitarian crisis.

Speaking at a conference titled “Investigating the Israeli regime’s crimes against women and children in Gaza,” Fallahi highlighted Israel’s long history of documented human rights violations since its establishment with support British in 1948. She noted that these violations disproportionately affected Palestinian women and children.

“Until April 2024, 34,488 people from Gaza have been martyred, including 14,500 children,” Fallahi said. “Every day, 63 women, including 37 mothers, have been killed since the start of the war in Gaza. In addition, 17,000 children have been orphaned.”

The Iranian lawmaker stressed that international charters provide protection for women and children, but the Israeli regime has repeatedly ignored these provisions.

She cited the 1924 Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child and the Declaration on the Protection of Women and Children in Times of Emergency and Armed Conflict, as well as the reports of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of man, as evidence of Israel’s flagrant and serious human rights violations.

She further emphasized that under Article 8 of the International Criminal Court, Israel’s actions – including public torture, serious physical and mental harm, destruction and seizure of civilian property, taking of hostages and the bombing of cities – constitute war crimes.

Concluding his speech, Fallahi expressed hope that through unity and solidarity among Islamic governments, positive changes could be achieved. “Through collective efforts, we hope to see the liberation of Palestine,” she said.