Iran’s Ambassador to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani accused Israel and the United States (US) of repeatedly violating the April 8 ceasefire, warning that such actions risk further escalation. Iravani said Iran would continue to exercise its right to self-defence in response to any armed aggression, stressing that those responsible for what Iran describes as unlawful actions would bear full responsibility for the consequences.

Iravani also called on US President Donald Trump to refrain from what Iran described as recurring threats, including recent statements suggesting the use of force. Iravani said that if Washington is seeking a diplomatic resolution, it should engage with Iran on the basis of mutual respect, sovereign equality and adherence to international law, rather than through confrontational rhetoric.

At the same session, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine Riyad Mansour addressed the ongoing situation in Gaza, stating that despite mediation efforts, hostilities have not ceased. Mansour said that while discussions are underway to secure a ceasefire, meaningful progress requires accountability and adherence to agreed obligations by all parties.

Mansour outlined key Palestinian priorities in ongoing diplomatic engagements, including an end to land annexation, a halt to forced displacement and the reunification of Palestinian territories. He also reiterated calls for the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state as part of a broader resolution to the conflict.

Raising concern about conditions on the ground, Mansour said Israeli forces now control around 70% of Gaza, with approximately two million Palestinians confined to the remaining areas under increasingly difficult humanitarian conditions. He also accused Israel of continuing to restrict aid flows into the territory, compounding the challenges faced by civilians.

–UN/ChannelAfrica–