Briefing the Security Council on the heels of the firing of Israeli forces on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon earlier in the day, senior UN officials warned of a dangerous uptick in violence in the Middle East, as delegates echoed their calls for a ceasefire, de-escalation and diplomacy. […]
In the ensuing debate, Middle Eastern States condemned the situation, with Lebanon’s representative pointing out that Israel’s attempt to invade his country violated the UN Charter and Council resolution 1701 (2006). He called on the Council to condemn the invasion and adopt a resolution to end it, imposing Israel’s withdrawal in line with the 1949 Armistice Agreements. Diplomacy has failed to impose a ceasefire, which his country has called for, and so Israel’s “killing, destruction and displacement machine” continues its ground invasion, leading to an “indescribable” humanitarian tragedy.
Pointing to the targeting of a main supply line of the Litani River and Baalbeck, among other sites, he said, “We wonder: what is the military benefit of targeting a vital border crossing, a water station and a historic archaeological site? What is the goal of targeting journalists, relief workers, and medical personnel? Is this the precise surgical military operation they have been talking about?” He urged contributions to the urgent call for relief, which is only 12 per cent funded. Only diplomacy and adhering to international law, including Council resolution 1701 (2006), can end the war. Commending UNIFIL for its courageous decision to not withdraw its forces, he condemned Israel’s attacks on its positions, stressing that Moscow ignores calls of the United Nations and the Secretary-General, and is establishing “a new military reality on the ground to secure unjust outcomes”. Läs referatet