FM: Massacre of Palestinian Women, Children A Blatant War Crime

Based on no international law nor any interpretation (of the laws) can the Zionist atrocities be called anything but "genocide, crime against humanity and international crime," Zarif said on Thursday while addressing a gathering held at the Foreign Ministry to mark the International Quds Day.

He described what is going on in Gaza as yet another example of the decades-long barbarism of the occupying regime of Israel against the oppressed Palestinian nation.

The Iranian top diplomat regretted that some sides shamelessly refer to the Zionist regime’s mass killing of Palestinians and even attacks on UN safe havens in Gaza as 'legitimate defense'.

He further urged the Islamic countries to push for the international community to seriously confront these inhumane crimes.

Zarif’s remarks come as above 800 Palestinians have been killed, and over 5,000 other injured in the besieged enclave during the Israeli 18-day offensive on Gaza.

Since July 8, Israeli warplanes have been pounding numerous sites in the Gaza Strip, demolishing houses and burying families in the rubble. Israeli tanks also began a ground offensive against the impoverished Palestinian land on July 17.

Meanwhile, Muslims in different countries started staging rallies on Friday morning on the occasion of the International Quds Day and in support of the Palestinian people.

Each year, the International Quds Day is celebrated on the last Friday of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.

The event’s overarching theme is support for the Palestinians and fierce denunciation of Israel.

The day is also seen as the legacy of the late founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Imam Khomeini, who officially declared the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan as International Quds Day back in 1979.