UN Security Council Urgently Addresses Israel-Hamas Conflict Amid Calls for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Action
The UN Security Council, a pivotal body within the international organization, convened urgently on Friday at its New York headquarters to address the escalating conflict in Israel following the recent terrorist attacks by Hamas.
While the meeting was behind closed doors, several participants addressed the press before entering. Riyad Mansour, leading the Palestinian delegation to the UN, characterized Israel’s evacuation order in northern Gaza as “ethnic cleansing,” emphasizing the need to prevent such a crime. Mansour, along with other ambassadors from the Arab group at the UN, presented a united front, outlining a three-point plan to address the crisis: an immediate ceasefire, the establishment of a humanitarian corridor, and the withdrawal of the evacuation order in Gaza.
Responding to questions about the fate of hostages taken by Hamas, Mansour stressed the Arab group’s stance against harming civilians. Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, also attended the Security Council session and expressed deep concern about the dire situation in Gaza. He highlighted the overwhelmed hospitals, a health system on the brink of collapse, and a water access crisis due to damaged infrastructure.
Guterres warned of the potential for the conflict to spread to other Middle Eastern areas, particularly southern Lebanon, where clashes have already been reported. He urged the respect of international humanitarian law and human rights, emphasizing the protection of civilians and the immediate release of all hostages in Gaza.
In response to criticism of Israel’s evacuation order, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, labeled the UN’s reaction as “shameful.” Erdan criticized UN authorities, urging them to condemn Hamas and support Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist attacks. The Security Council’s urgent meeting reflects the gravity of the situation and the international community’s efforts to address the crisis.