UNSC addresses Israeli aggression on Iran, regional instability

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: UN News
29 Oct 2024 07:37

Algeria and Syria called for an end to Israeli occupation of Arab land, highlighting the Israeli regime's role in worsening stability.

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Iranian United Nations Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani speaks during a meeting of the UN Security Council, as seen in a photo posted on October 29, 2024. (UN News)

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened for an emergency meeting on Monday, to discuss the recent Israeli strike against Iran, following a request by Tehran, which was supported by China, Russia, and Algeria.

Iranian UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani described the session as "both timely and necessary," citing an "egregious and severe violation of international law and the UN Charter" by the Israeli regime.

He emphasized that this aggression is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of impunity, enabled by the United States' "unconditional support," to the Israeli regime's crimes. Iravani said that this has "emboldened" the occupation to "persist" with carrying out such brutal policies.

He pointed to the "ethnic cleansing and war crimes" committed by the Israeli occupation in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, urging the Security Council to take decisive measures to restore peace and authority in the region.

"Responsibility requires more than words and recommendations," he stressed, insisting that the international community must not remain silent in the face of these violations and take action.

This is not the first Israeli strike: Russia

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia warned of an "uncontrolled spiral" of violence in the Middle East following Israeli strikes on Iran.

He noted, "The region is already destabilised because of escalating violence surrounding the Gaza Strip for over a year," and emphasized that this was "not Israel’s first airstrike."

Nebenzia urged the UNSC to "do their utmost to ensure the region does not tumble into a war."

"There is no alternative to a ceasefire," the Russian diplomat emphasized.

He called on the US to "be responsible and use all available tools to implement existing resolutions on regional settlement."

UNSC should impose ceasefire in Gaza, Lebanon: Algeria

On his part, Algerian Ambassador Amar Benjama stated, "The international community has a duty to curb the Israeli occupation and stop its continued escalation, which has brought the Middle East into an endless cycle of instability."

He added that lasting peace requires that Palestinians enjoy their legitimate rights and that all Israeli occupation of Arab territories is put to an end.

Benjama urged the UNSC to uphold its responsibility and urged all members to impose an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as work towards the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Syria supports Iran's right to self-defense

Meanwhile, Syrian Ambassador Bassam Qusay al-Dahhak condemned Israeli aggression against Iran as "a flagrant violation of international law, the UN Charter and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran."

He strongly condemned these acts and expressed Damascus' support for Tehran's legitimate right to self-defense.

Al-Dahhak criticized Israeli aggression as widespread and free from restrictions, threatening regional and international peace and security. He condemned Western countries for providing financial support and lethal weapons that have led to the killing of thousands of civilians and the destruction of critical infrastructure.

The Syrian diplomat renewed calls for the Security Council to take immediate action to respond to and end the occupier's acts of aggression, emphasizing the need to hold war criminals accountable and implement all related Council resolutions to ensure an end to the occupation.