October 7, 2023, marks a grim anniversary in the Middle East. One year after the surprise attack by Hamas on Israel, the scars of this conflict remain deep. Over 40,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, including thousands of women and children. Gaza lies in ruins, and its inhabitants suffer from physical and psychological exhaustion. The humanitarian tragedy persists, and true peace still seems distant.
The Zagros Center for Human Rights expresses deep concern over Iranian interference in this conflict, particularly through military support to armed groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, Hashd al-Shaabi, and other factions in the region. These militias, funded and armed by Iran, fuel the escalation of violence and exacerbate the suffering of civilians. The use of acts of terror, kidnappings, and hostage-taking cannot be tolerated and must be unequivocally condemned.
The expansion of this conflict to other countries in the region, if these armed groups continue their operations unchecked, poses a real risk of increased instability. The war could spread, threatening to engulf the entire Middle East and beyond, thereby compromising international peace efforts.
However, we affirm that the Palestinian people have the right to peace, security, and self-determination. Innocent civilians must not continue to be used as instruments of violence by these groups. We call for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas and for urgent political solutions to end the hostilities.
The Zagros Center calls on the international community to redouble its efforts to establish lasting peace, allowing all populations in the region, including the Palestinians, to live in dignity and security.
October 7, 2024
Zagros Center for Human Rights
