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Sanctions ‘a method of war’

Iran’s ambassador to the UN has censured the Security Council for failing to fulfill its responsibility with regard to some serious violations of international law, in particular illegal sanctions on Iran. Majid Takht Ravanchi told the council that certain states are using coercive measures as a method of war to starve innocent civilians. He underlined that the US has targeted Iran with the most severe economic and financial sanctions, which directly endanger the lives of the vulnerable population. The Iranian ambassador said the sanctions have even caused deaths of some Iranian patients, including children as a result of restrictions on medicine and medical supplies. He was addressing an open debate at the UN Security Council on strengthening accountability and justice for serious violations of international law.

‘Dangerous deterioration’

Russia urges Turkey to refrain from launching an offensive into northern Syria, saying it could lead to a dangerous deterioration of the already difficult situation. Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said such a move would be a direct violation of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Maria Zakharova added that an incursion by Turkey would cause a further escalation of tensions in Syria. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has renewed threats of a military offensive in northern Syria. He says Ankara wants to establish a 30-kilometre security zone along its southern border. Erdogan claims the military campaign aims to target terrorists. Turkey has launched three incursions into Syria since 2016 under the pretext of fighting terrorism. Damascus has repeatedly slammed Turkey for its illegal presence in Syria, saying Ankara is supporting terrorists in northern Syria.

Israeli atrocity

A Palestinian teenager is shot dead by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank, the fourth such killing in only two days. The Palestinian Health Ministry said the 17-year-old boy Odeh Mohammad was killed with a bullet into his chest near the village of al-Madiya, west of Ramallah. Israeli regime forces killed two Palestinians on Wednesday and another this morning. At least six Palestinians have also been injured over the past 24 hours. Meantime, hundreds of people held funerals for two of the Palestinians killed on Wednesday. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry says the International Criminal Court needs to break its silence over Israel’s crimes.

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