UN Security Council holds emergency meeting on Lebanon amid rising tensions

The UN Security Council convened an emergency session to address escalating tensions between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, following a surge in cross-border attacks and explosions targeting Hezbollah members.

Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN under-secretary-general for political and peacebuilding affairs, described the situation as a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for a cessation of hostilities along the Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib condemned Israel’s actions as violations of international humanitarian law and called for the council to denounce the attacks. He accused Israel of targeting civilians indiscriminately, labeling the state as "rogue" and demanding action to enforce Resolution 1701.

Syria’s representative, Koussay Aldahhak, also condemned Israel’s actions, calling them acts of aggression not only against Lebanon but also against Palestinians in Gaza and other nations in the region, including Syria. He urged the council to respond to what he called "cyberterrorism" and military aggression.

Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, defended his country’s actions, stating that Israel was responding to rocket attacks launched by Hezbollah following an October 8 assault by Hamas that killed Israeli civilians. Danon emphasized Israel’s aim to restore security along its northern border and protect its people from ongoing threats.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, warned that the region is on the brink of catastrophe and urged all parties to de-escalate, stressing that diplomacy remains the only solution. The council was urged to take immediate steps to prevent the situation from spiraling further out of control.