UNICEF Urged to Speak Out in Response to US-Israel Attacks on Several Schools in Iran

The Iranian Education Minister has written to UNICEF urging condemnation of what he calls attacks on schools, pupils and education infrastructure across the country. In the letter, Alireza Kazemi accuses the United States and Israel of carrying out strikes that he says target residential areas, healthcare facilities and schools. Kazemi says the attacks have killed and injured students and teachers in several provinces, including Minab, Fars, Ilam, East Azerbaijan, Tehran and Qazvin, as well as counties around the capital. According to the letter, around 20 educational facilities sustained severe damage, some completely destroyed, disrupting teaching and learning for thousands of students. Earlier we reported that nearly 200 children have been killed across the Middle East since the US-Israel military escalation against Iran over the weekend, according to UNICEF. UNICEF has expressed high appreciation for Indonesia’s leadership in building the quality of future generations through strengthening maternal and child nutrition. The Minister of Home Affairs stated that the central government traced the origin of the letter and coordinated directly with relevant parties to verify its substance and any possible follow-up. Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian provided clarification regarding a letter from the Aceh Government addressed to UNDP and UNICEF following the disaster in the region. Heavy rains and strong winds worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Tens of thousands of tents have been damaged, buildings collapsed, and the freezing temperatures are beginning to claim lives. The steps taken by the Aceh Provincial Government to seek assistance for floods and landslides were not met with an excessive response by the central government. This is because Iran’s attacks on several neighbouring countries are a response to the US-Israel military operation against Iran on February 28. Although prices of red kriting peppers have risen, Pramono is endeavouring to keep staple goods prices stable. Iranian missiles and drones have repeatedly targeted Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Manama, and various parts of Saudi Arabia. Ahmadian added that the succession process is under way in accordance with the Iranian constitution, with discussions reportedly taking place within the Guardian Council. Iranian military officials said they have fully cut traffic on that crucial waterway, through which about a fifth of the world’s crude oil supply passes.