UN Expresses Alarm Over Israeli Airstrikes on Iran, Calling for De-escalation
UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations expressed deep alarm on Saturday in response to recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran, urging an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further escalation of tensions in the Middle East. This statement follows a series of events that have heightened regional instability, with calls for restraint from international bodies.
According to Anadolu Agency, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, articulated the organization’s concern by condemning all acts of escalation. He emphasized the necessity for all involved parties, including those in Gaza and Lebanon, to halt military actions to avert a broader regional conflict. Dujarric highlighted the critical importance of returning to diplomatic efforts as a means to avoid further violence.
The European Union joined the chorus of international voices calling for moderation. EU spokeswoman for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Nabila Massrali, urged all parties to exercise “utmost restraint.” Wh
ile acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defense, Massrali cautioned that the continuing cycle of attacks and retaliations poses a risk of leading to uncontrollable escalation in the region. She noted that the EU is maintaining close contact with relevant actors to aid in de-escalating tensions.
Ireland’s Foreign Minister, Micheal Martin, echoed these sentiments, calling for an immediate end to the hostilities between Israel and Iran. Martin underscored the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, advocating for a cease-fire, the release of hostages, and an increase in humanitarian aid. He also raised concerns over attacks on northern Gaza, labeling them as “collective punishment” and referencing a UN official’s description of the situation as “a crime against humanity.”
The escalation in violence comes after the Israeli army targeted Iranian military facilities, resulting in the death of at least two Iranian soldiers. This was in retaliation for Iran’s large-scale ballistic missile attack on
Israel on October 1. The White House has urged that Israel’s actions should bring an end to direct exchanges of fire, warning Tehran of potential consequences should it respond. Iranian military officials had earlier cautioned that any attack from Israel would elicit a “harsher response.”
Despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire, Israel has continued its offensive on Gaza, which began after an attack last year by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas. The ongoing conflict has resulted in nearly 43,000 deaths, mostly women and children, with over 100,000 others injured, according to local health authorities. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.