The UN Security Council convened to discuss the escalating tensions in the Middle East, during which members received a briefing from Rosemary DiCarlo, the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.
DiCarlo highlighted that the tensions sweeping across various countries in the region continue to escalate, an unsurprising development given the circumstances.
DiCarlo pointed out that since January 11, the US and the UK, supported by six other member states, have conducted strikes in Yemen, urging both nations to step back from the brink and consider the unbearable human and economic costs of a potential regional conflict.
The Algerian representative to the Security Council emphasized that the Middle East is “on the verge of collapse,” with airstrikes in Iraq and Syria exacerbating the situation.
He expressed support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both nations and called for restraint and de-escalation to avoid further conflict.
The Algerian envoy stated that the region could not bear the burden of additional tensions, asserting that “force will never be a means to peace and stability.”
The UK representative expressed full support for all efforts aimed at maintaining and enhancing international peace and security, including in Iraq and Syria, while the French delegate urged all parties to exercise restraint.
Malta’s envoy highlighted the need for the international community and the Security Council to address the root causes of regional tensions and promote paths to a just and lasting peace.
The representative from Guyana called on all parties to respect international law and the principles of the UN Charter, emphasizing the importance of respecting state sovereignty and territorial integrity.
She urged the Council not to hesitate in seeking solutions to the current security challenges in the region.
She also reiterated the call for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza amid an unprecedented number of Palestinian casualties, stressing the need for the Council to unite in bringing peace to Palestine and ending the humanitarian crisis.
The Chinese representative condemned the recent US airstrikes in Syria and Iraq, which resulted in significant casualties, as a serious violation of the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of both nations, opposing any action that violates the UN Charter.
Ambassadors from Syria, Iraq, and Iran condemned the US attacks on military sites, which resulted in dozens of military and civilian deaths.
