UN calls for influence with Israel, Hezbollah to avoid war

Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN political chief, briefed the Security Council after the attack, which blew up Hezbollah pagers and radios, killing 37 people and injuring thousands. The attacks were blamed on Israel, although Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.

Smoke rises from the village of Kfar Kila in southern Lebanon, September 20, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Karamallah Daher

“We risk a conflict that could be even more devastating than what we have seen,” Ms. DiCarlo told the 15-member council. “I strongly urge member states with influence on the parties to take advantage of this moment,” she added.

For nearly a year, Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas have been at war in the Gaza Strip. During this time, Hezbollah has also fired rockets into Israel in support of the Palestinians, and tens of thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib accused Israel of carrying out the attacks and told the council: "No one in the world is safe anymore." He presented the council with a large photograph of a bloodied hand with missing fingers.

“We come to the council to defend our common humanity and ask you to clearly condemn Israel’s terrorist attacks, hold Israel accountable for planning and carrying out these attacks, as well as violating Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.

Israel's UN ambassador, Danny Danon, told the Security Council that Israel did not want a wider conflict, but would not allow Hezbollah to continue its provocative actions. He accused Hezbollah of violating international law.

"If Hezbollah does not withdraw from the border and return north of the Litani River through diplomatic efforts, Israel will have no choice but to use all means at its disposal to protect its people and allow those in the north to return home," Danon said.

Israel fought a full-scale war with Hezbollah 18 years ago.

Iran, which supports Hezbollah and Hamas, has "repeatedly warned of the grave consequences of Israel's malign activities in the region," according to Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani.

“For the sake of regional peace and security, the Islamic Republic of Iran has always shown maximum restraint,” he said. Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon was injured in this week’s attacks.

The United States calls on all parties to comply with international humanitarian law and take all reasonable steps to minimize harm to civilians, especially in densely populated areas, said Deputy US Ambassador to the United Nations Robert Wood.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk said it was “hard to fathom” how this week’s attacks on Hezbollah communications equipment could have been carried out. He called for an independent, thorough and transparent investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable.

“Let me be clear, this method of warfare may be new and unfamiliar. But international humanitarian and human rights law must still be followed,” Mr. Turk said.

Hong Hanh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/lien-hop-quoc-keu-goi-cac-quoc-gia-su-dung-anh-huong-doi-voi-israel-va-hezbollah-de-tranh-chien-tranh-post313274.html