Middle East Crisis: Live Updates from the Security Council and UN across the Region
2024-10-28 12:00
Security Council Meeting
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened an emergency meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York City to address the escalating crisis in the Middle East. The meeting was chaired by Ambassador Abdullah Al-Saidi of Oman, the current Council President.
The meeting began with a briefing by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who expressed grave concern over the mounting violence and called for an immediate ceasefire. “This crisis has already claimed too many lives and threatens to further destabilize the entire region,” he said.
Ambassadors from all 15 UNSC member states took the floor to condemn the violence and demand an end to the hostilities. The United States, United Kingdom, France, and Russia proposed a resolution calling for an immediate cessation of fire, withdrawal of all foreign troops from the region, and the establishment of a political process led by the UN.
Developments on the Ground
Intense fighting continued to rage across the Middle East, with reports of heavy casualties on all sides. In Syria, government forces clashed with rebel groups in the northwest province of Idlib, killing hundreds of people and displacing tens of thousands.
In Iraq, Iranian-backed militias launched rocket attacks against US military bases, prompting retaliatory airstrikes that left several militiamen dead. The US government accused Iran of being behind the attacks, while Iran denied involvement.
In Lebanon, tensions escalated between Hezbollah and Israel, with both sides threatening retaliation after a series of cross-border incidents. The Israeli government closed its airspace to all civilian flights, citing security concerns.
International Response
In addition to the UN Security Council, international leaders from around the world condemned the violence and called for a peaceful resolution. The European Union, Arab League, and Organization of Islamic Cooperation issued statements expressing their concern and urging all parties to cease hostilities.
Pope Francis made an impassioned plea for peace, calling on world leaders to “stop this spiral of violence and hatred.” The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, called for an independent investigation into the alleged human rights abuses taking place in the region.
Outlook
The situation in the Middle East remained highly volatile, with no immediate end to the violence in sight. The UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire was blocked by Russia, which has a veto power. Diplomatic efforts to broker a solution continued, but prospects for success appeared dim.
The ongoing crisis poses a grave threat to peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond. The UN and the international community continue to urge all parties to cease hostilities and find a peaceful resolution that respects the sovereignty and rights of all nations in the region.
Middle East crisis: Live updates from the Security Council and UN across the region
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