China Pledges Aid to Iran Following School Strike

China has announced $200,000 in humanitarian aid to Iran following a missile strike on a girls’ elementary school in Minab, which reportedly killed around 150 people, many of them students. The aid comes amid escalating tensions and attacks involving the US and Israel.

Details of the Aid Package

The Chinese Red Cross Society will provide the Iranian Red Crescent Society with $200,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun as reported by CNBC TV18. This marks the first concrete aid commitment from Beijing since the start of the conflict.

Condemnation of the Attack

Guo Jiakun stated that China condemns all indiscriminate attacks against civilians and non-military targets. He emphasized that targeting schools and harming children constitutes a severe violation of international humanitarian law and basic human morality according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Background of the Incident

The missile strike occurred on February 28th in Minab, southern Iran, hitting the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school during peak classroom hours as reported by Al Jazeera. At least 170 people, primarily schoolgirls, were killed, and dozens more were injured. Iran has blamed the US and Israel for the attack.

International Response and Investigation

The United Nations reported on March 1st that missiles destroyed the school, resulting in approximately 150 deaths and nearly 100 injuries according to CNBC TV18. The US military’s Central Command (Centcom) has stated it is investigating the incident, while Israel’s military claims it was not involved in any operations in the area as reported by Al Jazeera.

China’s Ongoing Support

Guo Jiakun affirmed China’s willingness to continue providing necessary support to Iran, offering humanitarian assistance to help the Iranian people overcome the current difficulties according to CNBC TV18.