UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the ongoing escalation of conflict in the Middle East, urging an immediate end to the violence. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Guterres emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire, saying, “This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire.”
The appeal for peace comes amid a surge in hostilities, including recent missile attacks from Iran targeting Israel. On Wednesday, Israel reported that approximately 180 missiles were fired at its territory, most of which were intercepted by its defense systems. This follows Israel's recent "limited" ground incursion into southern Lebanon, part of its broader military response to regional tensions.
The situation has been further complicated by Israeli airstrikes in Beirut's southern suburbs, which resulted in the death of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Hezbollah armed group. In recent weeks, cross-border confrontations between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants have intensified, reflecting the broader implications of the ongoing Gaza war, which is nearing its second anniversary.
In the wake of these developments, Guterres recalled the historical context of the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict, noting that nearly 20 years ago, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1701 to address a similar crisis. This resolution aimed to strengthen the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and bolster peacekeeping efforts in the region.
Meanwhile, the UN has also reported on the impact of Israeli airstrikes on Yemen, particularly in the strategic port city of Hudaydah. These strikes occurred following missile and drone attacks launched by Houthi rebels against Israeli cities, further complicating the regional security landscape. Despite the airstrikes, UN officials confirmed that both Hudaydah and the nearby port of Ras Issa remain operational, facilitating humanitarian aid and commercial supplies amidst increasing needs in Yemen.
Julien Harneis, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen, traveled to Hudaydah to assess the humanitarian situation, highlighting the ongoing efforts to provide food and nutrition as needs grow, especially along Yemen’s west coast.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric indicated that while the ports are still functional, power stations in Hudaydah are operating at minimal capacity. The UN continues to distribute fuel to health facilities to ensure their generators remain operational as the humanitarian crisis unfolds.
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment