By: ATN News
United Nations: The UN Security Council convened its 9696th meeting amid rising tensions in the Middle East following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, leader of the political bureau of Hamas, in Tehran. The incident, which occurred during Haniyeh's visit to Iran for President Masoud Pezeshkian's inauguration, has sparked widespread condemnation and fears of further regional escalation.
Briefing by the Under-Secretary-General
Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, briefed the Council on the situation. She reported that Haniyeh and a bodyguard were killed in an attack Iran attributes to Israel, describing it as a “serious infringement” of Iranian sovereignty. Iranian leaders vowed severe retaliation, warning of a harsh response intended to instill deep regret in Israel. Non-State actors aligned with Iran have also threatened to retaliate.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed strikes against Hamas, Hizbullah, and the Houthis, labeling the operations as part of an existential conflict with Iran. The escalation follows several recent violent incidents, including an attack on a Druze village in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that killed 12 children. DiCarlo emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation, warning that the region risks a broader conflict.
Positions of Council Members
China condemned the assassination, labeling it a violation of sovereignty and a deliberate attempt to derail peace efforts. The Chinese representative criticized Israel's recent military actions, urging for the cessation of collective punishment in Gaza and advocating for restraint and dialogue.
Algeria echoed China's sentiments, condemning Israel's actions as a blatant attack on diplomatic norms and sovereignty. The Algerian representative called for an immediate ceasefire and the lifting of the blockade on Gaza, emphasizing the need for accountability for alleged war crimes.
Guyana expressed grave concern over the escalating violence, noting that the recent events should not be viewed in isolation from the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The representative highlighted the humanitarian crisis and called for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of the conflict.
The Republic of Korea lamented the failure of ceasefire negotiations and warned against an irreversible escalation of hostilities. The Korean representative stressed the urgency of restraint and emphasized the importance of diplomatic solutions to avoid a wider regional conflict.
The United States reaffirmed Israel's right to self-defense but distanced itself from the operation that killed Haniyeh. The U.S. representative stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, urging Iran to cease its proxy activities against Israel.
Other International Responses
Russia expressed deep concern over the assassination, highlighting the potential for significant destabilization. The Russian representative warned against actions that could further escalate the situation and reiterated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.
France and the United Kingdom both called for calm and restraint. The French representative urged Iran to stop supporting destabilizing actors, while the UK emphasized that peace must be pursued through diplomatic channels. Both nations expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defense while condemning actions that could lead to wider conflict.
Japan expressed alarm over the potential for large-scale conflict, condemning recent violent incidents and calling for immediate de-escalation. Switzerland and Slovenia also called for a return to diplomacy, underscoring the importance of respecting international law and protecting civilians.
Representatives from Mozambique, Malta, Ecuador, Sierra Leone, and Iran voiced concerns over the implications of the assassination and its potential to inflame regional tensions. Iran, in particular, condemned the attack as a violation of its sovereignty and accused Israel of terrorism. Iran’s representative insisted on the country's right to self-defense and called for international accountability for Israel’s actions.
Conclusion
The Security Council meeting underscored the fragile situation in the Middle East and the international community's deep divisions over the appropriate response. As calls for restraint and diplomatic solutions intensify, the risk of a broader regional conflict remains a significant concern. The Council's discussions reflect a global urgency to prevent further escalation and seek pathways to peace and stability in the region.
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