GENEVA: The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East following Iran’s missile attack on Israel in retaliation to the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut.
The UN Security Council’s emergency session was prompted by heightened tensions after Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel. Alarms sounded across Israeli cities, including Jerusalem and areas along the Jordan River.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the urgent need to de-escalate the ongoing conflict. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Iran’s actions, reaffirming the United Kingdom’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself and urging Iran to cease its support for groups targeting Israel.
President Joe Biden of the United States expressed unwavering support for Israel, pledging to stand by the country amidst the escalating violence.
The Iranian missile strikes were described as a direct response to the Israeli military’s recent operations, which included airstrikes that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards declared the missile attack a legitimate response to what they termed as “terrorist acts” by Israel. They threatened that any retaliation from Israel would result in “crushing attacks” against regional targets.
