The Iranian authorities have urged a global response following significant damage to hospitals and schools attributed to recent airstrikes by the United States and Israel. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused both nations of conducting indiscriminate attacks that compromise civilian safety, including critical infrastructure such as medical and educational institutions.

Statements from Iranian Officials

Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, condemned the strikes, asserting that residential areas, hospitals, and schools have been affected. He labelled these actions as egregious violations of international norms, stressing the urgent need for solidarity in addressing such injustices. In a public message, he stated that failure to confront these ongoing aggressions would further darken the prospects for global well-being.

Demands from the Red Crescent Society

Pir Hossein Kolivand, the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, has publicly called for accountability from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). He urged the organization to unequivocally denounce the attacks affecting children and healthcare facilities, highlighting that the principles enshrined in the Geneva Conventions must be reinforced to prevent such incidents in the future.

Reactions from the ICRC

Mirjana Spoljaric, the President of the ICRC, affirmed that the protection of civilian infrastructure during conflicts is a fundamental obligation. She emphasized that hospitals, homes, and schools should remain shielded from military action, and medical personnel must be able to operate without fear of assault.

Damage to Hospitals in Tehran

Reports indicate that several hospitals in Tehran have sustained damage due to air attacks, necessitating the evacuation of patients. Official accounts and images circulating on social media confirm that multiple medical centers in the city were impacted by recent strikes. Notably, Gandhi Hospital was significantly damaged after a projectile struck a nearby area, as shown in state media broadcasts.

Operational Disruptions in Medical Facilities

Mohammad Raeiszadeh, the head of Iran’s Medical Council, noted that damage to the in-vitro fertilization unit at Gandhi Hospital has disrupted critical services, severely affecting medical operations. Additional reports indicated that damage was also observed in communications facilities connected to Iranian state television, resulting in temporary transmission interruptions.

The Ongoing Conflict and Casualty Figures

The Iranian Red Crescent reported substantial casualties due to attacks across multiple provinces, stating that at least 555 individuals have lost their lives amid ongoing military actions. Incidents of destruction have been reported at hospitals and emergency centers in various regions, including Ahvaz and East Azerbaijan.

Impact on Educational Institutions

An airstrike targeting a school in Minab, a city in southern Iran, led to the tragic loss of 165 lives, predominantly children, while others sustained injuries. The authorities have confirmed these figures but have not released detailed reports regarding victims. International bodies, including Education International, have condemned the assaults on schools, underscoring the protections that should be granted to children and educational institutions during conflicts.

Continued Military Engagements

Military actions persist as fighter jets carry out further strikes across Tehran, with recent attacks affecting emergency service facilities. Reports indicate that local medical emergency services suffered injuries due to these operations, illustrating the ongoing peril faced by civilians amid the hostilities. Meanwhile, the political implications of these strikes continue to underpin broader tensions in the region.

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