The world has turned a blind eye to the atrocities happening in Gaza committed by the Zionist regime, resulting in scores of children, defenceless women and the aged being murdered without any repercussions. The aggressors are openly supported by their allies, and the oppressed are left to fend for themselves.
The utilitarian philosopher John Stuart Mill is quoted to have said, “Let not any one pacify his conscience by the delusion that he can do no harm if he takes no part, and forms no opinion. Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing. He is not a good man who, without a protest, allows wrong to be committed in his name, and with the means which he helps to supply, because he will not trouble himself to use his mind on the subject.”
The Islamic Republic of Iran refuses to stand on the side-line and watch as helpless Palestinians are massacred, and for that, Iran is the number one enemy that prevents the Zionist regime’s illusion of taking the Palestinian land without resistance.
Iran’s self-defence attack on Israel was in response to a deadly Israeli airstrike on April 1 at the Iranian Consulate in Damascus, Syria.
Iran referred to the UN Security Council and did not receive a suitable response regarding the counterattack against the Israeli regime. On the other hand, some permanent members of the Security Council (America, England, and France) downplayed the severity of Israel’s crime and it was not condemned in the UN Security Council.
Therefore, Iran used its inherent right to defend itself in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter.
The Zionist regime attacked first, and we know very well that this regime has not followed any of humanitarian rules or at least UN resolutions on Palestine and the occupied territories, whether passed by the General Assembly or the Security Council.
And the innumerable resolutions recognizing the Palestinian right to self-determination and the humanitarian situation in occupied territories have been completely neglected.
The United Nations has failed to take any step to make sure its resolutions are implemented by oppressor Israel. Iran was exercising the right of legitimate defence, and took a responsible approach to regional and international peace and security, no civilians were harmed, and only military bases came under the just defence attack.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Amir Abdollahian stated, that the Islamic Republic of Iran has no intention of continuing defensive operations, but if necessary, it will not hesitate to protect its legitimate interests against any new aggression.
USA openly supports Israel against the killing of children, and supplies arms to attack civilian residential houses, hospitals, schools, synagogues, bakeries, water tanks, journalists, ambulances and kindergartens.
Iran upholds human rights and does not involve itself in the business of oppressing other nations, the tension is centred on Iran’s stance of seeking justice for the oppressed and admonishing the oppressor. Until and unless the Zionist regime respects human rights, International courts and resolutions, and recognize the Palestinian’s right to self-determination, Iran will not stop supporting the oppressed people of Palestine.
South Africans understand better the role of the international community in putting pressure on the oppressor, for the oppressed to get freedom. The international community should support the oppressed people of Palestine, just as USA supports the oppressors.
Seyed Mostafa Daryabari
Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of Iran