Iran has issued a strong condemnation of the Israeli attack on a charity hospital located on the Syria-Lebanon border, labeling it “a war crime.” 

“The attack by the Zionist regime on the 56-bed field hospital of the Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Syria, along with its medicine warehouse on October 9, 2024, and setting it on fire, while creating a serious obstacle to the provision of humanitarian services, is considered a war crime,” stressed Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, on Friday.

He underlined that the Israeli aggression represents a violation of the principles and regulations of international humanitarian law as outlined in the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and customary international humanitarian rules, which unequivocally prohibit any attacks on civilian locations, particularly medical facilities and hospitals.

The attack by the Zionist regime on the 56-bed field hospital of the Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Syria along with its medicine warehouse on October 9, 2024 and setting it on fire, while creating a serious obstacle to the provision of humanitarian… pic.twitter.com/EtHeH3lNTS

— Gharibabadi (@Gharibabadi) October 11, 2024

The Israeli strike resulted in the destruction of ambulances and all medical equipment within the facility, which was established to assist displaced Lebanese at the Syrian-Lebanese border.

The hospital also contained food supplies, medical equipment, and medicines, all marked with the flag and symbols of the Red Crescent. The attack destroyed the ambulances, the field hospital, and its entire supply inventory.

Iranian Red Crescent: Hospital was clearly marked

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated on Thursday that the recent strike underscores "Israel's" blatant disregard for international law. 

Baghaei called for a worldwide condemnation of the attack and urged international organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), to take action.

He also emphasized the urgent need for international assistance to support the thousands of Lebanese displaced by "Israel's" recent aggression.

In response to the attack, the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society underlined that the hospital was clearly marked with the IRCS flag, as reported by IRNA.

"We intend to file a complaint against Israel through international forums," he confirmed.

Since the start of their war on the Gaza Strip last year, the Israeli occupation forces have not sparred civilian infrastructure from their aggression, frequently targeting hospitals, shelters, schools, and residential neighborhoods.

In Gaza, the Israeli aggression has so far killed more than 42,000 Palestinians, while in Lebanon, more than 2,000 people have been killed as a result of Israeli airstrikes, which have also targeted health centers and ambulance crews.

Read more: Iran 'fully prepared' for 'stronger defense measures' if attacked: FM