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UN calls for end to any action that leads to military confrontations in Middle East

The UN Security Council met in New York on April 14, 2024 to discuss Iran’s attack on Israel. (Photo: David Dee Delgado, Getty Images via AFP)

By Mary Wambui | 15 Apr 2024

The UN Council session noted that the Middle East is on the brink of a full-scale conflict if maximum restraint is not exercised.

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged for an end to any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East.

Speaking after an emergency meeting called by the UN Security Council over the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, the Secretary-General said all parties concerned must be actively engaged to prevent further escalation.

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"Civilians are already bearing the brunt and paying the highest price. We have a shared responsibility to work for peace," he said.

The session noted that the Middle East is on the brink of a full-scale conflict if maximum restraint is not exercised.

On Saturday night, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles from its territory towards Israel, setting up a possible military confrontation between the two countries.

Iran said the attack was "conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to the legitimate defense" and in revenge for the April 1 armed attack on its diplomatic premises in Damascus.

Retaliation warning

The country vowed to continue if Israel or its allies attempt any form of retaliation.

"Iran's invocation of Article 51 of the UN Charter occurred following a 13-day period marked by the Security Council's inaction and silence, coupled with its failure to condemn the Israeli regime's aggressions," the country said.

"Certain countries' precipitous condemnation of Iran's exercise of its legitimate right suggests a reversal of roles, equating the victim with the criminal."

On its part Israel and its allies have condemned the attack with some vowing to assist Israel to defend itself from further attacks.

The two countries (Israel and Iran) have since written to the UNSC each citing its position in the situation.

In his remarks, Guterres said the world cannot afford more war.

"Regional – and indeed global - peace and security are being undermined by the hour. The world cannot afford more war," he said in his televised briefing after the emergency session.

During the attack that ended early Sunday morning several missiles were reportedly struck within Israeli territory, one of which damaged an Israeli military facility in the south of the country injuring a few civilians.

Discussions on the matter will continue in the coming days.

The session further called for a stop to the violence in the occupied West Bank, a de-escalation of the situation along the Blue Line, and the re-establishment of safe navigation in the Red Sea.