Iran Condemns Israel’s Use of White Phosphorus in Conflicts

Diplomatic Outcry at the United Nations

Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, has strongly condemned Israel's use of white phosphorus in its military operations against Lebanon and Gaza. In a statement made on Thursday, Iravani labeled these actions as war crimes and called for an international investigation by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) into these allegations against Israel.

Calls for Accountability and Investigation

Iravani emphasized that the ongoing use of phosphorus bombs by Israel not only violates international humanitarian laws but also poses significant humanitarian risks to civilian populations in affected areas. He urged the OPCW to take swift action to hold Israel accountable for its actions, stating, “We call for the full, effective, and non-discriminatory implementation of the Convention.” He reiterated Iran's commitment to supporting the OPCW’s efforts in this regard, highlighting the importance of maintaining an impartial approach to ensure justice and accountability.

Syria's Compliance with Chemical Weapons Convention

In his remarks, Iravani also turned his attention to Syria, asserting that the country has fulfilled its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention. He noted that Syria has successfully destroyed its chemical weapons stockpiles and production facilities, showcasing its ongoing commitment to transparency and cooperation with the OPCW. He mentioned that the Syrian National Committee has submitted three comprehensive reports in recent months, actively participating in consultations with the OPCW to address any outstanding issues.

Iravani stated, “Syria has extended the tripartite agreement with the OPCW and the United Nations Office for Project Services for an additional six months,” underlining the importance of continued collaboration in achieving compliance and accountability in chemical weapons disarmament.

Urging Neutrality and Professionalism from the OPCW

The Iranian envoy stressed the need for the OPCW to conduct its operations with strict neutrality and professionalism. He called for a consistent, evidence-based approach to establish facts and reach credible conclusions regarding the use of chemical weapons. “We support continued constructive dialogue between Syria and the OPCW to address any outstanding issues and achieve a comprehensive resolution,” Iravani noted, emphasizing that such processes must be guided by transparency, accountability, and impartiality.

Human Rights Violations and Evidence of White Phosphorus Use

This condemnation comes in the wake of alarming reports from Human Rights Watch, which verified footage of artillery-fired white phosphorus used in both Lebanon and Gaza. The organization indicated that the footage revealed multiple instances of phosphorus deployment over civilian areas, including the Gaza City port and rural locations along Lebanon’s border. Furthermore, images captured near the city of Sderot on October 9 showcased white phosphorus shells lined up next to Israeli artillery, raising serious concerns regarding the legality and ethics of Israel's military tactics.

Conclusion

The situation surrounding the alleged use of white phosphorus by Israel continues to escalate tensions in the region. As Iravani calls for international scrutiny and action, the need for accountability in warfare practices remains critical. The ongoing dialogue at the United Nations highlights the complex interplay of international law, human rights, and regional security, emphasizing the necessity for impartial investigations into all allegations of war crimes.