Laureates’ Hibakusha Group Denounces Israel’s Attacks on Iran’s Nuclear Sites

(MENAFN) The Japanese organization representing survivors of the atomic bombings, honored with the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, has publicly denounced Israel’s recent assaults on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, media revealed on Wednesday.

Expressing deep distress, Nihon Hidankyo declared, "We cannot help but feel strong indignation and anxiety" regarding the ongoing attacks, urging an immediate halt to all hostilities.

Their official statement emphasized, "Attacks on nuclear facilities should never be tolerated, and hibakusha atomic bomb survivors call for a ceasefire," underscoring their unwavering opposition to any aggression targeting nuclear sites.

The group, which symbolizes those who endured the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, condemned nuclear armaments as inherently irrational and weapons of mass destruction. They stressed the vital importance of remembering past horrors, saying, “the world must not repeat the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki,” and called on global communities to learn from those catastrophic moments in history.

Nihon Hidankyo, established in 1956, has long championed the complete eradication of nuclear weapons worldwide. The movement received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024 in recognition of its enduring commitment to peace and disarmament.

The tragic history behind the group dates back to August 6, 1945, when the United States dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, claiming approximately 140,000 lives. A second bomb was unleashed on Nagasaki three days later, killing an estimated 70,000 more. Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945, effectively ending World War II.

The recent escalation began on June 13, when Israel launched extensive strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities scattered across multiple cities, as well as key military command centers.

According to Iranian media reports released Wednesday, casualties from these Israeli airstrikes across Tehran and other densely populated regions have climbed to 585 fatalities, with over 1,326 people wounded since the offensive commenced last week.

In retaliation, Iranian forces fired ballistic missiles into Israel, resulting in 24 deaths and injuring more than 500, according to available reports.

Israel’s military campaign has sparked international outrage, with several nations, including Türkiye, condemning its actions.

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