Hans Grundberg underscored the urgent need for de-escalation, warning of the perilous consequences of overlooking Yemen’s fragile stability amidst the broader regional crisis. “We cannot risk Yemen’s chance for peace, becoming collateral damage,” he told ambassadors at the UN Security Council. “If we leave Yemen’s political process in the waiting room and continue down this…
“It is vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East…Now is the time for maximum restraint,” the UN Secretary-General told delegates at the opening of an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. Mr. Guterres explained that the emergency session was called by Israel…
“I am deeply concerned that in this powder keg, any spark could lead to a much broader conflagration,” Volker Türk told the Human Rights Council, the UN’s top rights forum. In a scheduled update on global crises to the Council’s 47 Member States, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights insisted that the international community should…
“Regional spillover is only the latest accelerant to a conflict that is growing in complexity and with each passing year. The situation is worsening on almost all indicators and the status quo is unsustainable and unmanageable,” he said. Airstrikes and casualties Multiple airstrikes attributed to Israel were carried out this month in Syria, including on…
Alice Wairimu Nderitu also underscored the need to intensify diplomatic efforts to bring the crisis to an end. “Civilians should never pay the price of a conflict for which they bear no responsibility,” she said in a statement. “Their most basic rights must be protected and preserved, and their humanitarian needs must be met,” she…
Tor Wennesland is in New York for discussions on how to “chart a way out of this crisis and how we can do it with the parties on the ground.” He told journalists that “we know very well” what the impediments are for this to happen politically, which must be overcome. No ‘quick fix’ “I…
“With the conflict raging in Gaza, as well as armed action elsewhere, the Middle East is at a critical juncture, and the same is true for Iraq,” said UN Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, calling for restraint. “With Iraq cloaked in an already complex tapestry of challenges; it is of greatest importance that all attacks cease.”…
Video of the Security Council meeting. 4:05 PM More attacks across Middle East fuel chances of miscalculation The UN’s Political Affairs chief, Rosemary DiCarlo, is briefing ambassadors first. She said that as everyone in the diplomatic world is all too aware, “the tensions that have engulfed multiple countries in the Middle East continue to rise.”…
12:00 PM Gaza economic recovery could take decades: UN report In a new report just released by the UN trade and development body, UNCTAD, it says the war in Gaza has resulted in an unprecedented level of destruction to its economy which will take tens of billions of dollars and decades to reverse. “The possibility…
Video feed of the meeting, expected to start at 3 PM. 4:48 PM We must work towards Palestinian State: France Nicolas de Rivière, Ambassador of France, which holds the Council presidency for January, spoke in his national capacity, saying efforts must focus immediately towards a lasting ceasefire, with the help of all regional and international…
