The United Nations Security Council convened on Friday to discuss the escalating violence in the Middle East, particularly the conflict in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and the wider region. The meeting was held against the backdrop of increasing tensions between Israeli settlers and Palestinians, and the ongoing bombardment in Gaza.
Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East at the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), briefed the Security Council on the situation. He expressed grave concern over the violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. Khiari also reported on the heightened tensions across the wider Middle East region, including daily fire across the Blue Line of separation between Lebanon and Israel, airstrikes in Syria, and increased tensions in the Red Sea.
Marwan Muasher, Vice President at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and Itay Epshtain, Special Advisor at the Norwegian Refugee Council, also briefed the ambassadors. They raised alarm over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the potential for further spillover of the conflict.
Members of the Security Council voiced their concern over the impact of the fighting on Palestinian civilians and the escalating tensions in the West Bank. They urged Israel to halt settler violence and hold the perpetrators accountable. Many members emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire to ensure humanitarian access to the affected areas. The importance of a two-State solution was also underscored during the discussion.
The UN Secretary-General voiced grave concerns over the potential for further spillover of the conflict. The international community awaits further developments as the situation continues to unfold.
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