Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations on Friday called on the international community to intensify action on the Palestinian plight and what he described as Israel’s “expansionist” policies. Amir‑Saeid Iravani made the appeal on the Nakba anniversary, marking the displacement of more than 700,000 Palestinians during the 1948 Arab‑Israeli war. He said the world must move beyond expressions of sympathy and adopt measures that address the root causes of the conflict.
Iravani told the UN that more than six million Palestinians are registered with the UN Relief and Works Agency, many living in refugee camps across the region. He warned that the ongoing war in Gaza has displaced the majority of the enclave’s pre‑conflict population of 2.1 million and that “urgent international mobilisation” is needed to resist the occupation and “expansionist policies” he attributes to Israel.
The diplomat urged nations to abandon approaches that have “failed to achieve peace or justice,” arguing that silence or indifference would be judged harshly by history. He said, “Surrender is not an option. History will remember kindly those who resisted oppression and defended freedom and the right to self‑determination.”
Israel’s stance on a two‑state solution has grown more rigid in recent months. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that a fully independent Palestinian state will not be established, arguing that such a creation would threaten Israel’s existence. The position contrasts with repeated UN resolutions calling for a negotiated settlement based on two states living side by side.
The United Nations has reported that the Gaza war has caused widespread displacement, with many residents fleeing to the north of the strip or seeking shelter in neighbouring countries. Humanitarian agencies warn that the situation could deteriorate further without a coordinated international response.
Iravani’s remarks come as diplomatic efforts to revive peace talks remain stalled. The United Nations and a number of regional actors continue to call for a ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations, but tangible progress has been limited.
The ambassador’s message underscores the growing frustration in the Arab and Muslim worlds over what they view as insufficient global action on the Palestinian issue. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the call for a more active and decisive international role is likely to shape diplomatic discussions in the weeks ahead.
