UNITED NATIONS (Dispatches) -- Veteran Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was fatally shot by Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank, is another victim of the international community’s inaction on the Zionist regime’s war crimes and terrorism against Palestinians, an Iranian envoy to the UN says.
Zahra Ershadi, Iran’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said Abu Akleh was killed in cold blood by occupying forces. She was “a brave voice for her people and a national symbol of truth and resilience against the oppressive occupation and injustice that Palestinians have endured for so long,” the envoy added.
The assassination, Ershadi said, is part of a long war, harassment, intimidation and violence against journalists, and is aimed at covering up the Zionist regime’s crimes against Palestinians.
“It is in flagrant violation of international law and norms,” Ershadi noted.
“Shireen Abu Akleh is also another victim of the international community’s inaction over the Israeli regime’s ongoing war crimes and terrorism against Palestinians,” she added.
“We call on the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, to take an immediate action, put an end to the Israeli regime’s aggression and impunity, ensure protection of Palestinian people, and hold the regime to account for the highest number of international crimes committed worldwide,” Ershadi said.
The envoy underlined the importance of protecting civilians, including journalists, media professionals and related personnel, in armed conflict.
“All parties to an armed conflict must fully comply with their obligations under international law to protect civilians, including journalists,” she said.
“Unfortunately, the escalation of violence, intimidation and harassment of journalists in armed conflict in many parts of the world, especially deliberate attacks that violate international humanitarian law, has reached a high point.
“At the same time, immunity from punishment for war crimes committed against journalists in armed conflicts has seriously endangered their security and protection,” the Iranian diplomat noted.
Ershadi emphasized the need for stronger UN actions to protect journalists and ensure accountability for crimes committed against them within an armed conflict.