‘Let’s step back from the brink’ to prevent all-out conflict in the Middle East, UN chief says

“It is important to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontation on multiple fronts in the Middle East…Now is the time for maximum restraint“, the UN Secretary General spoke to delegates at the opening ceremony of the UN emergency meeting Security Council.

Mr. Guterres explained that the emergency session was convened by Israel following what it described in a letter as ‘a direct attack launched by Iran… with more than 200 drones, cruise missiles, and missiles. programs and ballistic missiles aimed at Israel, in clear violation of international law. .’

The UN chief added that in a separate letter, Iran stated that it had carried out a series of military attacks on Israeli military targets “in exercise of Iran’s inherent right of self-defense as stated… unchartedand in response… to the armed attack on April 1, 2024 against Iran’s diplomatic facilities’ – in Damascus.

Consequence

According to the latest reports, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles from its territory towards Israel, most of which were intercepted.

Several rockets reportedly struck Israeli territory, one of which damaged an Israeli military facility in the south of the country.

“And overall, a number of civilians have been injured,” the Secretary-General reported, reiterating his strong condemnation of the attacks and his call for an immediate end to hostilities. This enemy.

‘Responsibility to work for peace’

Reiterating the international community’s shared responsibility to engage all parties to prevent further escalation, the Secretary-General added that there is a similar responsibility to ensure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. immediately in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. help.

There is also a shared responsibility to stop violence in the occupied West Bank, de-escalate the situation along the Blue Line and re-establish safe navigation in the Red Sea.

“We have a common responsibility to work for peace. Regional – and even global – peace and security are being destroyed by the hour. Neither the region nor the world can endure more war,” Mr. Guterres concluded.

Israel has ‘sounded the alarm’

Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan said Saturday night’s attacks were launched from Iranian soil, as well as Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq.

“Last night the world witnessed an unprecedented escalation that is clear evidence of what can happen when warnings are ignored… [Israel] did not cry wolf; they are trying to awaken the world to the dangers posed by Iran and its proxies,” he said, adding: “Israel has sounded the alarm.”

Israel’s representative showed a video of what he called the attack on the Temple Mount, asking the Security Council: “What have you done to protect the world from Iran?”

He said Iran’s actions have long been clear: arming, financing and training terrorist groups globally. But the mask of denial has been removed: Iran has attacked Israel from its territory; and Israel is surrounded by Iranian proxy forces and attacked on all fronts.

“The mask has been taken off and the world’s complacency must be reduced. The only option is to condemn Iran… and make sure it knows that the world will not stand still anymore.”

“This attack crossed all red lines and Israel has the right to retaliate,” he said.

Hypocritical Council shields Israel

While emphasizing that Israel’s “false and unsubstantiated claims” deserve “no real response,” Ambassador Amir Saed Iravani reiterated Iran’s consistent position that it does not seek to escalate ladder or war in the region.

“Iran’s activities are purely aimed at exercising Iran’s inherent right to self-defense. This concluding action is necessary and proportionate. It is precise and only targets military targets and is carried out carefully to minimize the possibility of escalation and prevent civilian harm,” the Ambassador explained.

However, he said, it is regrettable that today some Council members, including the US, UK and France, have chosen to “turn a blind eye to reality” and ignore the root causes leading to the situation. current image.

Ambassador Iravani said: “With hypocrisy, these three countries have blamed and falsely accused Iran without taking into account its failure to uphold international commitments to peace and security in area”. discredit Iran’s right to self-defense.

Furthermore, the Council’s failure to act on “Israel’s war crimes against the Palestinian people only allows the regime to continue its violations unchecked,” he said, adding that the US and its allies coalition blockaded the Security Council in Gaza for more than six months, shielding Israel from accountability. .

“While warning against any further military provocations by the Israeli regime, the Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its steadfast determination to protect its people, security and national interests. me… [we] will not hesitate to exercise this right when requested,” he explained.

The Council must hold Iran accountable

U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood strongly condemned “the unprecedented attack on the State of Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxy and partner militant groups,” and said, “The target Iran’s intention is to cause significant damage and death in Israel.”

“Iran’s reckless actions not only pose a threat to people in Israel but also to other United Nations member states in the region, including Jordan and Iraq,” he said. adding: “The Security Council has an obligation not to let Iran’s actions go unanswered.” .”

“Indeed, for a long time, Iran has been in flagrant violation of its international legal obligations, especially through the actions of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or IRGC,” he continued and noted: “Iran was also, in a broad sense, complicit in the October 7 attack.” attack on Israel because it has provided significant funding and training to Hamas’s military wing.”

“In the coming days and in consultation with other member states, the United States will explore additional measures to hold Iran accountable at the United Nations,” Wood said.

If there is further action against Israel, Iran will be responsible,” he said, emphasizing: “The United States is not seeking escalation. Our actions were purely defensive in nature.”

Hypocrisy and double standards must end

Syrian Ambassador Koussay Aldahhak said that what the Middle East witnessed on Saturday was the natural and inevitable result of repeated acts of aggression and serious violations of international law and the Constitution. United Nations chapter. [by the Israeli occupation authorities] in Syria and other countries in the region.”

He said these violations were carried out in the region with “blind and unlimited” support from the United States and had “misled the Israeli occupation authorities into believing that they are above the United Nations, above the law.” international law and United Nations resolutions… for many decades”. … no response and no consequences.”

The Syrian delegation warned the United Nations about such activities and called on the Organization to end Israel’s crimes. But in any case, some countries continue to defend Israeli accountability. Sadly, “the actions of these countries are nothing new.”

Finally, the Ambassador said that Syria holds the US and Israeli Administrations responsible for any further attacks and escalations in the region. “They must review the destructive policies in our region and against our people; They must adjust their activities in the region. Our region has suffered enough,” he said, calling for an end to hypocrisy and double standards.

Furthermore, the international community must end Israel’s occupation and take immediate action to end the “deliberate starvation” of Gazans and ensure full humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. and “end the illegal existence of American military forces in my country.” Syria.”