Gharib Abadi: Zionist regime’s crimes against Palestinians are a clear example of genocide

Gharib Abadi, speaking comprehensively at the ICJ in The Hague today during the proceedings on the advisory opinion, outlined the dimensions of the humanitarian catastrophe in the occupied Palestinian territories. He described the Zionist regime’s policies as evident instances of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, urging the international community to act responsibly in response to the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank.

Call to defend the fundamental rights of Palestinians

Gharib Abadi began his speech by emphasizing the ICJ’s role as the highest legal authority of the United Nations, noting that the court is once again facing a historic test tied to the fate of an oppressed nation—the Palestinian people.

Referring to the Zionist regime’s lack of fundamental elements of statehood under international law, he reiterated Iran’s principled stance of non-recognition of the regime, stating: “We do not recognize any legitimacy for the Zionist regime, and our focus is on exposing its blatant crimes in the occupied territories, particularly in the Gaza Strip.”

Explicit warning about genocide in Gaza

Gharib Abadi, pointing to undeniable evidence of genocide in Gaza, warned: “All evidence indicates that the window to prevent this massive genocide is rapidly closing. Despite repeated ICJ orders, the Zionist regime continues its deadly policies, and the international community has failed to fulfill its moral and legal obligations.”

He added: “Since the onset of widespread attacks in October 2023, over 52,000 Palestinians have been martyred, and more than 123,000 have been injured, with these numbers increasing daily.”

Widespread dimensions of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza

Highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Gharib Abadi noted: “No aid has entered the region since March 2, 2025; essential medicines are running out; water and electricity networks have been destroyed, and relief workers have been targeted.”

Citing reports from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and other international organizations, he reported a complete blockade on humanitarian aid access, emphasizing that these actions directly constitute genocide.

Obstruction of humanitarian aid: Gross violation of international law

Referencing international conventions, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention and the 1907 Hague Regulations, Gharib Abadi demonstrated that the Zionist regime, as the occupying power, has violated its clear obligations to provide for the essential needs of civilians.

He specifically cited Article 55 of the Geneva Convention, which obliges the occupier to provide food and medicine, adding: “Not only has the Zionist regime failed to adhere to these obligations, but it has deliberately obstructed the entry of humanitarian aid.”

Analysis of numerous human rights violations

Gharib Abadi then provided a detailed examination of various instances of human rights violations by the Zionist regime, stating:

• Right to Life: “Widespread massacres of civilians, especially children and women, are clear violations of the right to life.”
• Right to Safe Drinking Water: “With the destruction of water networks and the cutting off of water sources, the people of Gaza face a severe water crisis, leading to the spread of infectious diseases such as Hepatitis A.”
• Right to Food: “According to official UN reports, the risk of famine and death due to mass starvation in Gaza is entirely serious.”
• Right to Health: “With the deliberate destruction of hospitals and medical centers, healthcare workers have been targeted, and the health system is on the verge of complete collapse.”

He emphasized that all these cases not only violate international humanitarian law but also constitute clear crimes against humanity.

International crimes: From genocide to systematic destruction of Palestinians

Citing international investigations, Gharib Abadi added: “Policies imposed on Palestinians, including the destruction of critical infrastructure, starving the population, blocking aid, and imposing unbearable living conditions, are clear instances of genocide under Article 2 of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.”

He also noted the ongoing investigations by the International Criminal Court and the ICJ against Zionist regime leaders, stating that sufficient evidence exists to prove the commission of international crimes.

Iran’s resolute call for urgent international action

In the concluding part of his speech, referencing the ICJ’s 2004 advisory opinion on the separation wall, Gharib Abadi stressed that all states and international organizations are obligated to cease any support for the occupying regime and make serious efforts to end the illegitimate situation in Palestine.

He asserted: “The failure to provide immediate and unhindered access for the Palestinian people to humanitarian aid constitutes a clear violation of states’ international obligations to prevent genocide.”

A statement for the historical record

Gharib Abadi concluded by emphasizing: “Iran’s statement today will stand as a historical document of a nation’s oppression and the international community’s betrayal of the fundamental principles of human rights and international law.”

He reiterated that this statement in no way implies recognition of the Zionist regime, and the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue its unwavering support for the sacred cause of Palestine.

The ICJ hearings on the advisory opinion regarding “the obligations of the Zionist regime concerning the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations, and third states in occupied Palestine and related matters” began on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands, with the participation of over 40 countries and international organizations, and will continue until Friday, May 2, 2025.

Gharib Abadi, representing Iran, presented the Islamic Republic’s principled positions to the court’s judges.