Russia, China condemn Israeli terror attacks in urgent UNSC meeting
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The representatives of several countries in the UNSC denounced the detonation of thousands of communication devices that targeted Lebanese people in public spaces.
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The United Nations Security Council meets at the United Nations headquarters, on September 19, 2024. (AP)
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is meeting in New York to discuss the latest developments in Lebanon after an Israeli-commissioned terror attack saw thousands of wireless communication devices explode in civilian areas on Tuesday and Wednesday across Lebanese territory.
Hours before the council's meeting, Israeli occupation forces launched an aggression on the southern suburb of Lebanon's capital, Beirut, which resulted in the collapse of a residential building that killed and injured dozens.
China: A grave violation of national sovereignty, blatant violation of international law
Fu Cong, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said that the detonation of thousands of communication devices in an instance "shocked" China.
Cong explained that the attack was "unheard of" and that it violated international law.
He stressed that the decision to carry out such an attack is evidence of "disregard of [international] laws" and "deserves nothing but condemnation."
"Everyone now knows who is responsible for this crime and they must be brought to be held accountable," Cong added.
China's representative also pointed to the more than 40,000 Palestinians murdered by the Israeli regime in the Gaza Strip and proceeded to discuss the most recent Israeli strike on Beirut.
The diplomat said that Beijing is worried about the possibility of war between "Israel" and Lebanon, stressing the need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the need to stop the war from expanding.
"Decisions should be taken to stop Israel from going forward with its aggression," Cong underlined.
Russia: What happened was a terrorist act
Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, said that the crimes committed in public spaces in Lebanon amount to terror attacks and that the detonation of communication devices in such areas threatens the entire Middle East.
The Russian diplomat also condemned "Israel's" actions which he said has made no effort to hide its involvement in the strike on Lebanon's capital Beirut. Moreover, the diplomat explained that "Israel" would not have executed such terror attacks if it had not secured the backing of the United States.
Russia also stressed the need to identify the origin of the detonated communications devices.
"However, in the region, facts have been analyzed, dots have been connected and the relevant conclusions drawn. We regard what happened as a terrorist act, which poses a threat to international peace and security, with unpredictable consequences for the entire Middle East," Nebenzia said.
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Japan, South Korea comment on attack
On their part, Japan's representative condemned the detonation of communication devices in Lebanon and urged all parties to ease tensions.
South Korea's representative said that the country was worried about the attacks that took civilians in Lebanon by surprise in public spaces.
Slovenia: Comms attack has created a climate of terror
Samuel Zbogar of Slovenia, who holds the Council presidency for September, said that the detonation of communication devices has created "a climate of terror."
"We are stepping in a dangerous new territory and as new technology is being used and developed, we underline the need to respect the existing legal obligations," Zgobar underscored.
Calling for a full investigation, he said "Those who ordered and carried out such an attack must be brought to justice."s`
US evades responsibility, says it was not involved in any attacks on Lebanon
On the other hand, the United States evaded any responsibility for the attacks on Lebanon, as its representative said that it had no role in them.
Read more: New warfare era: Israelis weaponize consumer goods in terror attacks
