The UN's top political affairs official reiterated the urgent need for de-escalation in the Middle East, appealing in the Security Council on Wednesday for "swift and effective diplomatic action", as ambassadors met in an emergency meeting on the latest flare-up in hostilities.
"The international community must work together to prevent any actions that could make the conflict much bigger and wider very quickly," Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for political affairs said, warning of skyrocketing tensions in the wake of the killing of a top Hamas leader in Tehran earlier in the day.
The killing came against the backdrop of Israeli strikes against southern Beirut, following an apparent strike in a village in the Israeli-occupied Golan, and intense exchanges across the Blue Line, which separates Israeli and Lebanese armed forces.
The incidents claimed several lives, including those of children.
Serious and dangerous escalation
"The various attacks over the past few days represent a serious and dangerous escalation," she continued, highlighting the ongoing war in Gaza, which erupted following the brutal 7 October attack by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in southern Israel.
Over 1,200 Israelis were killed and over 200 were taken hostage. Dozens among them still remain in captivity.
In the Gaza Strip, more than 38,000 Palestinians are reported to have been killed as a result of Israel's military operation, a further 88,000 injured and about 90 per cent of the population displaced - many several times.
Effective diplomatic action needed
Ms. DiCarlo reiterated UN Secretary-General António Guterres' call for "maximum restraint by all", stressing that "restraint alone is insufficient at this extremely sensitive time."
"Diplomatic efforts to change the trajectory and seek a path toward regional peace and stability are urgently needed," she underscored.
"Communication by means of missiles, armed drones and other deadly attacks must end."
She appealed to the international community to work together to prevent "any actions that could make the conflict much bigger and wider very quickly".
"We need swift and effective diplomatic action for regional de-escalation. This Council plays a crucial role in this regard. The time is now," she concluded.
Council members urge actors to act with restraint
Following the briefing, Security Council members emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation, ceasefire and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation of the conflict in the region. They also highlighted the impact on civilians, especially on women and children who are bearing the brunt of the fighting, as well as on humanitarians and journalists.
Algerian Ambassador and Permanent Representative Amar Bendjama condemned the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh by Israel as "not merely an attack on one man" but "a vicious assault on the very foundations of diplomatic relations, the sanctity of State sovereignty and the principles that underpin our global order". He called for full accountability for Israel's "heinous war crimes" and "egregious human rights violations".
United States Ambassador Robert Wood and Deputy Permanent Representative, underscored Israel's right to self-defence, stating that his country was not involved in the strikes on Lebanon or in the apparent death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. He urged Council members with direct influence over Iran to increase pressure on the country to stop escalating its proxy conflict against Israel and other actors.
Iran: The killing is an act of terror
Amir Saeid Iravani, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Iran to the UN, said that his country called for the emergency Council meeting "to address a matter of grave importance of urgency."
He denounced the "cowardly assassination…by Israel" of Ismail Haniyeh, the top Hamas political official, who was on an official visit to Iran, upon invitation of the Government, to attend the inauguration of the new Iranian President.
"This act of terror is another manifestation of Israel's decades-long pattern of terrorism and sabotage targeting Palestinians and other supporters of the Palestinian cause across the region and beyond," he said.
In addition to its terrorist objective, Israel was also pursuing political goals, aiming to disrupt the first day of the new Government of Iran that has prioritized peace and stability in the region, he alleged.
He strongly condemned the "horrible act" as the most serious violation of international law and the UN Charter, urging "immediate and effective action" by the Security Council.
More to follow...
