Iranian diplomat condemns attack

WE would like to add our voice to the many expressions of global condemnation of the Israeli occupying authorities blatant act of aggression perpetrated under the guise of self-defence.

This was a small unarmed and non-violent flotilla on a humanitarian mission to Gaza – a poverty-stricken area – with medicine food and building materials.

The manner in which this regime’s commandos boarded the aid ship in international waters, under cover of darkness and causing so many fatalities, is nothing short of a clear violation of human rights.

The legality of their action must also be questioned by the UN security council and appropriate condemnations issued and, if warranted, sanctions imposed.

For the past three years Gaza has been subjected to a siege imposed on it by Israeli occupying authorities – this is highly questionable and controversial. The Israeli regime has been responsible for the killing and displacement of Palestinian people over the past 60 years and also the recent killing in the Gaza Strip by fraudulently using the identities and passports of other countries to facilitate them in their terrorist activities.

It is time for the international community strongly and unequivocally to condemn this act of state terrorism.

What began as a mission of mercy has tragically ended in cold-blooded carnage. We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families of those brave humanitarian activists.

Fatemeh Ardaneh

Second Counsellor

Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Dublin