Excellency,

Further to our letter dated 13 October 2023 (S/2023/764), I am writing in response to the letter dated 6 November 2023 from the representative of the Israeli regime addressed to the United Nations Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council (S/2023/842). In this letter, the Israeli regime's representative has repeated baseless allegations against Iran and accused Iran of "a policy aimed at igniting a regional war" in an effort to divert the attention of the international community away from the ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity committed against the helpless and defenseless Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and occupied Palestine. Similarly, during the UN Security Council briefing on "the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestine question" held on 10 November 2023 (S/PV.9472), the representative of the Israeli regime in his statement attempted to justify and legitimize the daily massacre of this regime against innocent people by employing typical diversionary tactics, including Iran phobia campaigns, making misleading and unsubstantiated claims, spreading misinformation, and pointing a finger at Iran.

These groundless accusations, as well as cynical efforts to link and attribute the actions of Palestinian resistance groups fighting against Israeli occupation and military aggression in occupied Palestine to the Islamic Republic of Iran, are categorically rejected as unfounded. As has been stated on numerous occasions, the decisions and actions made by Palestinian resistance groups are independent, driven by their interests, and aligned with Palestinian aspirations. These actions are firmly grounded in their rights under international law, asserting their right to self-determination and self-defense against Israeli occupation and military aggression. Consequently, any attempt to shift blame or implicate Iran in these matters is unacceptable.

Similarly, Iran strongly condemns and rejects Israel's deceptive endeavors to equate the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people for self-determination with terrorism, aiming to legitimize its heinous crimes, ethnic cleansing, and massacres against the innocent people of Gaza. Both international law and the UN Charter recognize the legitimate right to self-determination, as well as the right to self-defense for the Palestinian people, in their ongoing struggle against Israeli occupation and military aggression.

The Israeli regime cannot evade accountability by falsely blaming Iran. This apartheid regime is undeniably responsible for the tragic loss of innocent lives resulting from its ongoing atrocities against civilians in Gaza. It has now been over a month since Israel, acting as the occupying regime, declared war on defenseless Palestinian civilians, a blatant violation of all relevant norms of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The relentless bombardment persists, causing terror day and night among the innocent civilians and this ruthless regime stops at nothing, shamelessly deploying every means at its disposal to obliterate the defenseless people of Gaza and going so far as to brazenly threaten the use of nuclear weapons. As acknowledged in the recent UN Security Council briefing on 10 November (S/PV.9472), the situation in the Gaza Strip has reached a critical and catastrophic point demanding immediate international action. The people of Gaza, who have been subjected to a 16-year blockade, are now facing the destruction of their homes and families. Hospitals are overwhelmed with injured, sick, and dying patients. Thousands of displaced people are seeking refuge in overcrowded hospitals and schools, desperate for essentials. Over 11,000 people have been killed in Gaza, with 70% of them being women and children, and over 3,500 people, including 1700 children, have been reported missing or trapped beneath rubble. In the UN Security Council briefing cited above, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that a child is murdered every 10 minutes on average and that 1.5 million people have been displaced and are being exposed to increased disease risks. Detailing the imminent collapse of the healthcare system in Gaza, the Director-General said that the WHO has so far verified over 250 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza and urged the Security Council to secure an immediate ceasefire and unfettered humanitarian access in Gaza, where he asserted that "nowhere and no one is safe".

The international community must promptly address the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their criminal acts against the Palestinian people. The Islamic Republic of Iran calls on the Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities and take decisive measures compelling the Israeli regime to cease its occupation and hostilities, put an end to atrocities, guarantee unimpeded access to humanitarian aid, and accelerate the prompt delivery of vital supplies to Gaza. It is also imperative that the Israeli regime consistently upholds its international obligations, including those stipulated by international humanitarian law and human rights law. Iran remains steadfast in its unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and is resolute in standing with their aspirations until the occupation comes to an end.

I should be grateful if you would circulate the present letter as a document of the Security Council.