UN Sec-Gen, G7 Leaders Condemn Iranian Attack Against Israel
“Last night, the world witnessed unprecedented escalation, serving as the most evident proof of what happens when warnings are not heeded,” said Israel’s ambassador to the UN
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting yesterday – a rare occurrence on a Sunday – following Iran’s attack on Israel the previous night. The meeting was held at the request of Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan.
“Regional – and indeed global - peace and security are being undermined by the hour. Neither the region nor the world can afford more war,” said António Guterres, UN Secretary-General. “Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate. It’s time to step back from the brink.”
Guterres spoke about the responsibility to actively engage all parties concerned to prevent further escalation, secure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages, the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, the cessation of hostilities in the occupied West Bank, de-escalation of the situation along the Blue Line, and re-establishment of safe navigation in the Red Sea.
“Last night, the world witnessed unprecedented escalation, serving as the most evident proof of what happens when warnings are not heeded. The direct Iranian attack against Israel – the first of its kind - is just the most recent chapter in a blood-soaked saga,” said Erdan, adding that the Iranian regime, “seeking death and destruction, is no different than the Third Reich.”
“As Iran’s mask has fallen, the world’s complacency must also fall,” he said. “Hamas – with Iranian funding, weaponry, and training – carried out the most brutal massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.”
The G7 leaders also convened for a virtual meeting yesterday, at the request of US President Biden, and issued a strong condemnation against Iran.
“We, the Leaders of the G7, unequivocally condemn in the strongest terms Iran’s direct and unprecedented attack against Israel. Iran fired hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel. Israel, with the help of its partners, defeated the attack. We express our full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment towards its security,” said the official statement.
“With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided. We will continue to work to stabilize the situation and avoid further escalation,” said the joint statement, adding that “We will also strengthen our cooperation to end the crisis in Gaza, including by continuing to work towards an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, and deliver increased humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need.”