Transcripts For BBCNEWS BBC 20240703

Escalation in the middle east. In a Statement Issued after an online meeting, the groups leaders called for restraint on all sides. Israel says the vast majority of more than 300 drones and missiles launched by iran have been intercepted. The attacks marked the first time iran has targeted israel directly from its own soil. The israeli war cabinet has been meeting to discuss its response to the attack. A senior minister, benny gantz, said israel would exact a price from iran in its own time and fashion. The Defence Minister, yoav gallant, said the confrontation with iran wasnt over, and israel must prepare for every scenario. Iran has warned of a much bigger response if israel retaliates. The white house has said it doesnt want to see the crisis in the middle east escalate. A us security spokesman, john kirby, said washington was not seeking a wider war. Meanwhile the Un Security Council is meeting in urgent session to discuss the situation. There will be pressure at the unied nations for new sanctions on iran, but with russia and china taking a much more sympathetic approach to tehran, getting a unified position will not be easy. We will be keeping a close eye on that and go to it as soon as we hear from the Un Security Council president. In fact, from the Un Security Council president. Infact, lets from the Un Security Council president. In fact, lets listen and now. I president. In fact, lets listen and now. ,. ,. , now. I invite the representatives of the islamic now. I invite the representatives of the Islamic Republic now. I invite the representatives of the Islamic Republic of now. I invite the representatives of the Islamic Republic of iran, now. I invite the representatives of the Islamic Republic of iran, israel| the Islamic Republic of iran, israel and the syrian are a republic to participate in this meeting. It is so decided. The Security Council now begins consideration of item two of the agenda. I warmly welcome the secretary his excellency Antonio Guterres and give him the floor. Madam president , excellencies. The middle Madam President , excellencies. The middle east is on the brink. The people middle east is on the brink. The pe0ple of middle east is on the brink. The people of the region are confronting a real people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full scale conflict. Now is the time to defuse full scale conflict. Now is the time to defuse and de escalate. Now is the lime to defuse and de escalate. Now is the time for maximum restraint. This emergency the time for maximum restraint. This Emergency Session has been convened upon an Emergency Session has been convened upon an urgent request by the Parliamentary Representative of israel. Parliamentary representative of israel, who wrote in april to the president israel, who wrote in april to the president of the Security Council that iran president of the Security Council that iran had launched, and i quote, a direct that iran had launched, and i quote, a direct attack from within its territory a direct attack from within its territory of more than 200 drones, cruise territory of more than 200 drones, Cruise Missiles and Ballistic Missiles Cruise Missiles and Ballistic Missiles towards israel in clear violation missiles towards israel in clear violation of un charter and International Law, end quote. Yesterday, the Parliamentary Representative of the Islamic Republic of iran also addressed a letter republic of iran also addressed a letter to republic of iran also addressed a letter to the president of the Security Letter to the president of the Security Council, stating that, and i Security Council, stating that, and l quote, Security Council, stating that, and l quote, in Security Council, stating that, and i quote, in the late hours of 16th Of April i quote, in the late hours of 16th Of April 2024, the Islamic Republic of april 2024, the Islamic Republic of irari of april 2024, the Islamic Republic of iran carried out a series of military of iran carried out a series of Military Strikes on israel with military Military Strikes on israel with military objectives, end quote. It stated military objectives, end quote. It stated that the action was taken, and i stated that the action was taken, and i quote, in the exercise of irarrs and i quote, in the exercise of trans right and i quote, in the exercise of irans right to self defence, as outlined irans right to self defence, as outlined in article 51 of the charter outlined in article 51 of the charter of the United Nations and in response charter of the United Nations and in response to the Israeli Military aggression particularly its armed attack aggression particularly its armed attack on aggression particularly its armed attack on the 1st Of April 2024 against attack on the 1st Of April 2024 against the iranian diplomatic premises, end quote. According to the latest premises, end quote. According to the latest reports, iran launched hundreds the latest reports, iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles from its territory hundreds of drones and missiles from its territory towards israel, with most its territory towards israel, with most intercepted. Several missiles reported most intercepted. Several missiles reported this struck within israeli territory. Reported this struck within israeli territory, one of which damaged and nrilitary territory, one of which damaged and military facility in the south of the country, and overall, a few civilians the country, and overall, a few civilians were injured. Madam president , when the nature of the attack president , when the nature of the attack became clear, i stated the following attack became clear, i stated the following last night, and i quote. I strongly following last night, and i quote. I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large scale attack launched on israel large scale attack launched on Lsrael Hy Large scale attack launched on israel by the Islamic Republic of iran israel by the Islamic Republic of lran this israel by the Islamic Republic of iran this evening. And i call for an immediate iran this evening. And i call for an immediate cessation of these facilities, end quote. I remind all member facilities, end quote. I remind all Member States that the charter of the United Nations prohibits the use of force the United Nations prohibits the use of force against territory in territory of force against territory in territory or political independence of any territory or political independence of any state or in any other manner inconsistent of any state or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations. Furthermore, the principle the United Nations. Furthermore, the principle of the United Nations. Furthermore, the principle of availability of diplomatic premises and personnel must diplomatic premises and personnel must he diplomatic premises and personnel must be respected in all cases in accordance must be respected in all cases in accordance with the International Law, as accordance with the International Law, as l accordance with the International Law, as i stated, one condemning the 1st law, as i stated, one condemning the ist of law, as i stated, one condemning the ist of april law, as i stated, one condemning the 1st of april attack on the iranian consulate 1st of april attack on the iranian consulate in damascus. Madam president , it is time to step back from president , it is time to step back from the president , it is time to step back from the brink. It is vital to avoid any action from the brink. It is vital to avoid any action that could lead to Major Military any action that could lead to Major Military confrontations on multiple fronts Military Confrontations on multiple fronts in Military Confrontations on multiple fronts in the middle east. Civilians are already bearing the brunt and paying are already bearing the brunt and paying the highest price. We have a shared paying the highest price. We have a shared responsibility to actively engage shared responsibility to actively engage all parties concerned to prevent engage all parties concerned to prevent further escalation. As the friendly prevent further escalation. As the friendly Relations Declaration of 1970 friendly Relations Declaration of 1970 states, acts of reprisal involving 1970 states, acts of reprisal involving the use of force arm banned involving the use of force arm banned under International Law. We have a banned under International Law. We have a shared responsibility to secure have a shared responsibility to secure an have a shared responsibility to secure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire secure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in secure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid for to have a shared humanitarian aid for to have a shared responsibility to stop violence shared responsibility to stop violence in the occupied west bank, de escalate the situation along the blue line de escalate the situation along the blue line and re establish safe medication In The Red Sea. We have a shared medication In The Red Sea. We have a shared responsibility to work for peace shared responsibility to work for peace. Regionaland indeed shared responsibility to work for peace. Regional and indeed global peace peace. Regional and indeed global peace and security are being undermined by the hour. Neitherthe region undermined by the hour. Neitherthe region nor undermined by the hour. Neitherthe region nor the world can afford more war. Region nor the world can afford more war thank region nor the world can afford more war. Thank you. | region nor the world can afford more war thank yon war. Thank you. I think the secretary war. Thank you. I think the Secretary General war. Thank you. I think the Secretary General for war. Thank you. I think the Secretary General for his. War. Thank you. I think the Secretary General for his briefing. A book of the floor to those Council Members who wish to make statements. I passed the floor to guyana. Thank ou, i passed the floor to guyana. Thank you. Madam i passed the floor to guyana. Thank you, Madam President. I passed the floor to guyana. Thank you, Madam President. I i passed the floor to guyana. Thank you, Madam President. I think i passed the floor to guyana. Thank you, Madam President. I think thel you, Madam President. Ithink the secretary you, Madam President. Ithink the Secretary General you, Madam President. Ithink the Secretary General for you, Madam President. Ithink the Secretary General for his you, Madam President. Ithink the Secretary General for his briefing, | Secretary General for his briefing, and i Secretary General for his briefing, and i acknowledge Secretary General for his briefing, and i acknowledge the Secretary General for his briefing, i and i acknowledge the participation of the and i acknowledge the participation of the permanent and i acknowledge the participation of the permanent representatives l and i acknowledge the participationl of the permanent representatives of iran, of the permanent representatives of lran, syria of the permanent representatives of lran, syria and of the permanent representatives of iran, syria and israel of the permanent representatives of iran, syria and israel in of the permanent representatives of iran, syria and israel in the of the permanent representatives of iran, syria and israel in the days. Iran, syria and israel in the days meeting iran, syria and israel in the days meeting guyana iran, syria and israel in the days meeting. Guyana is iran, syria and israel in the days meeting. Guyana is alarmed iran, syria and israel in the daysj meeting. Guyana is alarmed over iran, syria and israel in the days meeting. Guyana is alarmed over the recent meeting. Guyana is alarmed over the recent escalation meeting. Guyana is alarmed over the recent escalation of meeting. Guyana is alarmed over the recent escalation of tensions recent escalation of tensions between recent escalation of tensions between israel recent escalation of tensions between israel and recent escalation of tensions between israel and iran. Recent escalation of tensions between israel and iran. Especially in a region between israel and iran. Especially in a region that between israel and iran. Especially in a region that is between israel and iran. Especially in a region that is already in a region that is already experiencing in a region that is already experiencing intense in a region that is already experiencing intense conflicts. We ure experiencing intense conflicts. We urge the experiencing intense conflicts. We urge the parties experiencing intense conflicts. We urge the parties to experiencing intense conflicts. We urge the parties to exercise experiencing intense conflicts. We urge the parties to Exercise Maximum restraint, urge the parties to Exercise Maximum restraint, to urge the parties to Exercise Maximum restraint, to desist urge the parties to Exercise Maximum restraint, to desist from urge the parties to Exercise Maximum restraint, to desist from launching restraint, to desist from launching further restraint, to desist from launching further retaliatory restraint, to desist from launching further retaliatory attacks restraint, to desist from launching further retaliatory attacks and restraint, to desist from launching further retaliatory attacks and to l further retaliatory attacks and to seek further retaliatory attacks and to seek the further retaliatory attacks and to seek the path further retaliatory attacks and to seek the path of further retaliatory attacks and to seek the path of peace. Further retaliatory attacks and to seek the path of peace. Any further retaliatory attacks and to i seek the path of peace. Any further attacks seek the path of peace. Any further attacks will seek the path of peace. Any further attacks will have seek the path of peace. Any further attacks will have devastating attacks will have devastating Regional Attacks will have devastating regional consequences attacks will have devastating regional consequences and l attacks will have devastating i regional consequences and also attacks will have devastating regional consequences and also for the wider regional consequences and also for the wider International Regional consequences and also forj the wider International Community. The world the wider International Community. The world cannot the wider International Community. The world cannot afford the wider International Community. The world cannot afford another. The wider International Community. I the world cannot afford another war, and the the world cannot afford another war, and the middle the world cannot afford another war, and the middle east the world cannot afford another war, and the middle east certainly the world cannot afford another war, and the middle east certainly cannotl and the middle east certainly cannot afford and the middle east certainly cannot afford another and the middle east certainly cannot afford another war. And the middle east certainly cannot afford another war. The and the middle east certainly cannot afford another war. The attack and the middle east certainly cannot afford another war. The attack on i afford another war. The attack on irans afford another war. The attack on irans diplomatic afford another war. The attack on irans diplomatic facility afford another war. The attack on irans diplomatic facility in irans diplomatic facility in damascus irans diplomatic facility in damascus earlier irans diplomatic facility in damascus earlier this irans diplomatic facility in. Damascus earlier this month irans diplomatic facility in damascus earlier this month and Irans Damascus earlier this month and trans attacks damascus earlier this month and irans attacks on damascus earlier this month and irans attacks on israel damascus earlier this month andj irans attacks on israel yesterday have irans attacks on israel yesterday have only irans attacks on israel yesterday have only served irans attacks on israel yesterday have only served to irans attacks on israel yesterday have only served to heighten have only served to heighten tensions have only served to heighten tensions in have only served to heighten tensions in the have only served to heighten tensions in the region. We. Have only served to heighten i tensions in the region. We urge have only served to heighten tensions in the region. We urge the parties tensions in the region. We urge the parties to tensions in the region. We urge the parties to abide tensions in the region. We urge the parties to abide strictly tensions in the region. We urge the parties to abide strictly with tensions in the region. We urge the parties to abide strictly with their. Parties to abide strictly with their Charter Parties to abide strictly with their Charter Obligations parties to abide strictly with their Charter Obligations and parties to abide strictly with their Charter Obligations and to parties to abide strictly with their Charter Obligations and to avoid l parties to abide strictly with their Charter Obligations and to avoid a larger Charter Obligations and to avoid a larger conflagration. Charter obligations and to avoid a larger conflagration. As Charter Obligations and to avoid a larger conflagration. As with Charter Obligations and to avoid a larger conflagration. As with anyl larger conflagration. As with any conflict, larger conflagration. As with any conflict, it larger conflagration. As with any conflict, it is larger conflagration. As with any conflict, it is always larger conflagration. As with any conflict, it is always innocent conflict, it is always innocent civilians conflict, it is always innocent civilians who conflict, it is always innocent civilians who bear conflict, it is always innocent civilians who bear the conflict, it is always innocent civilians who bear the brunt, | conflict, it is always innocent civilians who bear the brunt, with women civilians who bear the brunt, with women and civilians who bear the brunt, with women and children civilians who bear the brunt, with Women And Children Suffering Women And Children Suffering disproportionately. Women and children suffering disproportionately. We Women And Children Suffering disproportionately. We are i Women And Children Suffering disproportionately. We are seeing, for ekample. Disproportionately. We are seeing, for example, how disproportionately. We are seeing, for example, how civilians disproportionately. We are seeing, for example, how civilians in disproportionately. We are seeing, for example, how civilians in the l for example, how civilians in the occupied for example, how civilians in the occupied palestinian for example, how civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory for example, how civilians in the i Occupied Palestinian Territory and other Occupied Palestinian Territory and other parts Occupied Palestinian Territory and other parts of Occupied Palestinian Territory and other parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and other parts of the region Occupied Palestinian Territory and other parts of the region are other parts of the region are already other parts of the region are already reeling other parts of the region are already reeling from other parts of the region are already reeling from unprecedented levels already reeling from unprecedented levels of already reeling from unprecedented levels of suffering already reeling from unprecedented levels of suffering as already reeling from unprecedented levels of suffering as a already reeling from unprecedented levels of suffering as a result already reeling from unprecedented levels of suffering as a result of levels of suffering as a result of the ongoing levels of suffering as a result of the ongoing Conflict Levels of suffering as a result of the ongoing conflict between. Levels of suffering as a result of. The ongoing conflict between israel and palestine the ongoing conflict between israel and palestine. Madam the ongoing conflict between israel and palestine. Madam president , i and palestine. Madam president , guyana and palestine. Madam president , guyana further and palestine. Madam president , guyana further calls and palestine. Madam president , guyana further calls on and palestine. Madam president , guyana further calls on countriesl and palestine. Madam president , i guyana further calls on countries of the region guyana further calls on countries of the region to guyana further calls on countries of the region to fully guyana further calls on countries of the region to fully comply guyana further calls on countries of the region to fully comply with the region to fully comply with their the region to fully comply with their international the region to fully comply with their International Obligations i the region to fully comply with. Their International Obligations and to uphold their International Obligations and to uphold the their International Obligations and to uphold the principles their International Obligations and to uphold the principles of their International Obligations and | to uphold the principles of respect for sovereignty to uphold the principles of respect for sovereignty and to uphold the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial for sovereignty and territorial integrity for sovereignty and territorial integrity we for sovereignty and territorial integrity. We also for sovereignty and territorial integrity. We also demand i for sovereignty and territoriall integrity. We also demand full adherence integrity. We also demand full adherence to integrity. We also demand full adherence to international integrity. We also demand fulll adherence to International Law, including adherence to International Law, including the adherence to International Law, including the united adherence to International Law, including the United Nations i including the United Nations charter, including the United Nations charter, and including the United Nations charter, and for including the United Nations charter, and for the including the United Nations charter, and for the partiesl including the United Nations i charter, and for the parties to settle charter, and for the parties to settle their charter, and for the parties to settle their differences charter, and for the parties to settle their differences swiftly charter, and for the parties to. Settle their differences swiftly through settle their differences swiftly through peaceful settle their differences swiftly through peaceful and settle their differences swiftly through peaceful and lawful settle their differences swiftly i through peaceful and lawful means. Matter through peaceful and lawful means. Matter president , through peaceful and lawful means. Matter president , violence through peaceful and lawful means. Matter president , violence gets matter president , violence gets violence matter president , violence gets violence and matter president , violence gets violence, and comprises matter president , violence gets violence, and comprises peacel matter president , violence gets. Violence, and comprises peace and security violence, and comprises peace and security. Guyana violence, and comprises peace and security. Guyana reiterates violence, and comprises peace and security. Guyana reiterates its violence, and comprises peace and security. Guyana reiterates its calll security. Guyana reiterates its call on all security. Guyana reiterates its call on all parties security. Guyana reiterates its call on all parties to security. Guyana reiterates its call on all parties to choose security. Guyana reiterates its call on all parties to choose the security. Guyana reiterates its call on all parties to choose the path i security. Guyana reiterates its calll on all parties to choose the path of peace on all parties to choose the path of peace and on all parties to choose the path of peace and dialogue. On all parties to choose the path of peace and dialogue. [ on all parties to choose the path of peace and dialogue. Peace and dialogue. I thank you. Studio this peace and dialogue. I thank you. Studio this is peace and dialogue. I thank you. Studio this is from peace and dialogue. I thank you. Studio this is from the peace and dialogue. I thank you. | studio this is from the meeting peace and dialogue. I thank you. Studio this is from the meeting of the Un Security Council called at the Un Security Council called at the request of the israeli ambassador who said he wanted the council to convene a meeting to unequivocally condemn iran for grave violations force of the Un Security General said the middle east is on the brink, people in the region are facing real danger of devastating full scale war in sight now is the time to defuse and de escalate, a time to defuse and de escalate, a time for maximum restraint. 0ur north america correspondentjoins me now. I won it from Antonio Guterres a sign that as of reprisal are barred under International Law. Mckay warning a yellow. That under International Law. Mckay warning a yellow. Warning a yellow. That successor ri. Ht. Warning a yellow. That successor riuht. He warning a yellow. That successor right he came warning a yellow. That successor right. He came with warning a yellow. That successor right. He came with a warning a yellow. That successor right. He came with a message | warning a yellow. That successor i right. He came with a message first meant to kind of cool down the temperature, saying that it is time to Exercise Maximum restraint, that the region is already on the brink, now is the time for De Escalation. He set out how he has already in fact condemned first israels attack on Irans Embassy compound in damascus, saying that the inviolability of double climatic premises must be respected under International Law, he then also condemned irans attack, strongly condemned irans attack, strongly condemned irans attack on israel, violating its sovereignty, and then he essentially made that point there, iran has said that they were acting under article 51 of the un charter, which gives them the right to self defence. You have the Secretary General they are making a point that the way he sees it under International Law is that Reprisal Attacks do not amount to a self defence argument. So he is here trying to say that both sides need to kind of calm the tensions and stop the region from being engulfed in a wider war, saying that the world cannot afford that at the moment. I think it was really telling that when we heard from dianas ambassador, her echoing many of those same points. Of those same points. Thank you for now. We of those same points. Thank you for nova we will of those same points. Thank you for now. We will return of those same points. Thank you for now. We will return to of those same points. Thank you for now. We will return to that of those same points. Thank you for now. We will return to that security | now. We will return to that Security Council meeting a little later when we hear from the Council Meeting a little later when we hearfrom the us, israel and iran. Lets pick up with this report from Lucy Williamson injerusalem. Radio chatter last night, for a few hours, israel lived in its Skies Fighterjets battling waves of iranian drones and missiles fired at israeli targets. The middle easts most dangerous conflict, dropping its mask. From the ground, israels air defences rose to meet threats by the dozen, a perilous display. Watched from jerusalem. Tel aviv. Israels Defence Minister called it one of the most dramatic nights israel had ever experienced. In iran, the launches were celebrated one after the other on national television. Punishment, iran said, for the strike on its consulate in damascus two weeks ago. Translation there is no intention to continue this operation. But if the Zionist Regime takes steps against the Islamic Republic on its soil or against areas linked to us in the region, our next operation will be far greater than this. The attacks were celebrated by iranians outside the British Embassy too, seeing them as punishment for the war in gaza and calling for israels destruction. Irans government has said its not seeking to escalate the conflict. Tonight, a member of israels war cabinet said there would be a response. Translation faced with the threat i of iran, we will build a Regional I Coalition and collect the price from iran in a way and at a time that suits us. British planes helped shoot down dozens of the launchers. The Prime Minister has now joined israels allies in calling for restraint. If this attack had been successful, the fallout for regional stability would be hard to overstate. And we stand by the security of israel and the wider region, which is, of course, important for our security here at home, too. What we now need is for calm heads to prevail. Well be working with our allies to de escalate the situation. Last night was a test of israels defences, but its leaders now face another political test over how to respond to this attack. A show of strength is needed, some argue, to maintain deterrence, but too much could push this region into a wider war. Shoppers returned tojerusalems main market today, shaken but sure of the response. I think if we react, it will show our strength and it will prevent the next attack. I hope. We cant live like this anymore. They shot a lot of missiles on us. Its the First Time Ever in the History Of The World that a Country Throw so many missiles on another country at the same time. So we got to respond, of course. Others here believe israel faces a dangerous Turning Point and that alliances, rather than weapons, offer its best chance of protection long term. Right now, all the west and all moderate muslim nations in this region do understand that, all right, this is a new game. And in this new game, its about being moderate and willingness to move forward with some sort of a Reconciliation Process in this region, in this troubled region. This attack marked New Territory in an old battlefield. Much hangs on the response. No chink in israels armour last night, but the door to war is still open. Lucy williamson in there. We are keeping an eye on the Un Security Council, which is meeting, and we are expecting to hear from the United States in just are expecting to hear from the United States injust a are expecting to hear from the United States in just a few minutes so we will take you live to that when we do. Weve had more reaction from the us. John kirby, the white houses Top National Security spokesperson, told the nbc� s Meet The Press Programme that the United States will continue to help israel defend itself, but does not want a broader war with iran. Know that the president is working the diplomatic side of this personally. In fact, today, Just A Little Bit later today, hes going to call the g7 together to talk about a diplomatic response here. Nbc news is reporting that President Biden talking about the diplomatic outreach, told Prime Minister netanyahu that the United States will not participate in offensive operations against iran. Can you confirm that . I wont go into the greater detail of the conversation with the Prime Minister. They did have a good chat last night. What was the message . What was the broad message . It was very clearly, you know, we stand with you in your self defence. That was the main message that the president delivered to the Prime Minister. He congratulated the Prime Minister and the idf for the extraordinary job they did, knocking things out of the sky. But i wont go into more detail. Again, ijust go back to what the president has said time and time again. We dont seek an escalation. We dont seek a wider war in the region. So did he warn israel not to respond . Did he say take the win, as has been reported . I think the president was again very clear with Prime Minister netanyahu about the success that they enjoyed last night and the impact that that success ought to have. Our middle east correspondent hugo bachega spoke to me earlier about the diplomatic eforts taking place. We know that there have been International Efforts to try to de escalate the situation. We know that there was that phone call between President Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu overnight in which President Biden said that, you know, reaffirmed americas commitment to the security of israel. But according to reports said the us would not support any kind of israeli retaliation. And we heard during the day from american officials saying that israel needs to be very careful in its next steps because of the possibility that any kind of retaliation could ignite a wider conflict in the middle east. So there has been a lot of diplomatic activity trying to reduce tensions, obviously because of the possibility of of an israeli response. We know that israeli authorities had before this attack said that any kind of direct iranian attack on israel would lead to an israeli response. And this is exactly what happened. For the First Time Ever, iran carried out a direct attack on israel. So all eyes now are on the war cabinet, on the israeli authorities. And obviously, everybody� s waiting to see what kind of decision theyre going to make. Yeah, hugo, just also in the past few moments, weve been told, again, via the Reuters News Agency that President Biden has hold a call with King Abdullah ofjordan studio we go live now to the un. As studio we go live now to the un. Is well as explosive unmanned aerial vehicles. Irans reckless actions not only posed a threat to populations in israel but also to other un Member States in the region. Including jordan and iraq. The Security Council has an obligation to not let irans actions go unanswered. Indeed, forfar too long, iran has flagrantly violated its International Legal obligations, notably through the actions of its Islamic Revolutionary guards corps. By Islamic Revolutionary guards corps. By arming hezbollah, in violation of Security Council resolution 1701, by arming, facilitating and enabling Houthi Attacks in saudi arabia, the uae and more recently merchant a commercial shipping In The Red Sea in clear violation of resolution 22 16 and in defiance of resolution 2722. And of course, iran transferred giant one way Attack Drones to russia, the same drones are used in last nights attacks against israel, at a time and such transfers are in clear violation of resolution 231. In recent years, iran has also repeatedly violated International Law by targeting with minds and seizing commercial ships in International Waters in the persian gulf and surrounding waterways, just as it did on April The 12th when it sees the portuguese flagged ship in the strait of hormuz. Iran continues to detain both the ships and its crew, cries of citizens from five countries including russia. Iran was also in a broad sense complicit in the art the seventh attack on israel, because it has provided significant funding and training for the military wing of hamas. This iranian support contributed to the Current Crisis in gaza. Colleagues, these and other reckless reigning actions are not entirely defensive actions against other Member States. Offensive. We have a collective responsibility as members of the Security Council to ensure that iran combines with the councils resolutions and ceases its violation of the charter. In the coming days, and in consultation with other Member States, the United States will explore additional measures to hold iran accountable here at the United Nations. More immediately, the Security Council must unequivocally condemn irans aggressive actions and call for iran and its partners and proxies to cease their attacks. The United States also supports israel because � s exercise of its an errant right to defend itself in the face of this attack. Its inherent right. As President Biden stated we will remain in close contact with israels leaders. Let me be clear, if iran or its proxies take actions against the United States or further action against israel, iran will be held responsible. We know the statement from the Secretary General morning that the region is a risk of plunging into a deeper and wider war on multiple fronts. The United States is not seeking escalation. Our actions have been a purely defensive in nature. The best way to prevent such escalation is an unambiguous condemnation from the council of irans unprecedented large scale attack and an unequivocal cork in it and proxies and parties to refrain from further violence. Our goal is to de escalate and then get back to the issue at hand, securing an end to the conflict in gaza by getting a ceasefire in gaza through a hostage to as well as sending humanitarian assistance to palestinians in need. Thank you. Assistance to palestinians in need. Thank ou. , s assistance to palestinians in need. Thank ou. , ~ studio the us Deputy Ambassador there, criticising iran for its actions. It saying the us for export additional methods to hold iran accountable in the next few days. Saying the council must condemn iran unequivocally and reiterated their support for israel. They said if irans proxies take action against the us interests or israel, iran will be held accountable. It made it very clear the us was not seeking an escalation, he said our goal is to de escalate the situation and the hostilities in gaza, to see the return of the hostages. This came just moments after the un Secretary General spoke first, after israel called for this meeting. He said, Antonio Guterres said, none of the time to defuse an de escalate, the time to defuse an de escalate, the time to defuse an de escalate, the time there is for maximum restraint. He said acts of reprisal involving the use of force are barred under International Law. We will keep across this because there in the un assembly and when we hear from there in the un assembly and when we hearfrom israel and iran we there in the un assembly and when we hear from israel and iran we will turn to it. Yuli edelstein is head of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee in the israeli parliament. He gave me his analysis after the majority of the israeli war cabinet favoured to responsed to irans attack. As any normal sovereign country, we have to respond to 300 missiles and drones launched at us from the iranian territory. Having said that, i dont think that its our task to give the iranians the exact information about when and where and how. So we have to make it quite clear that israel wont tolerate attacks from iranian territory, as well as we wont tolerate attacks from the proxies of iran, hamas, hezbollah or these militias in syria and iraq. It just wont happen. Our task is to protect our citizens. So how do you calibrate that response, given that iran is warning of a bigger response if israel does retaliate . Well, lets make it quite clear. For the last 45 years, the Iranian Regime has been talking about the destruction of what they call the zionist entity. They built and financed and armed all those proxies hamas, hezbollah, all these militias, in order to harm israel, to destroy israel, to murder as many israelis as possible. And now they are escalating the conflict. They are launching from their territory drones and missiles. And we will have to react to that. At the same time, we are not in the business of revenge. We have to react in order once again to make it clear to the iranians that they cant do things like that. Its just not done. Do you know what kind of things are on the table . Whats up for discussion . Different options. And as ive said, we are definitely not going to to describe them and discuss them in the open. But sitting on our hands is definitely not an option. And we all have to understand that the what happened in the last week, we are looking for some good news. What happened during the last what is it 20 hours is that we saw, i will certainly say probably for a change, a coalition of democracies, israel and its allies responding to the axis of evil that is trying to attack one of the democratic countries. And when Something Like that happens, there is always success because democracies are stronger. United states, britain, different European Countries and even some countries in the area helped us to resist this brutal iranian attack to keep our citizens safe. And we sincerely hope that we will continue this kind of coordination in our efforts to protect israel and to protect the free world from the axis of evil. And i do have to say on a personal note that while visiting ukraine last year, i saw in the headquarters of the ukrainian intelligence the exact same drones, and others, that were used yesterday to attack israel. We are all in the same war. Its understandable you wont describe and discuss your possible actions on a news interview, but will you seek approval and the green light from your biggest ally, the us, before you do anything . We are trying to coordinate with our allies and as i already said, their support definitely has passed unnoticed in this country and we are grateful. At the same time as any democratically elected government leadership in israel is first and foremost concerned with the protection of its own citizens. And we will do everything it takes to protect the israelis. And the very fact that the millions of israelis could spend the last night in their beds and not in Bomb Shelters is due to the wonderful action of our defence systems, of our idf, the Israeli Defense forces, and the assistance from our allies. And i sincerely hope it will stay like that. To what extent will the fact that while the us have said they they support you, theyre committed to defending israel, but they Wont Take Part in any response that israel conducts to what extent will that way into the Decision Making process . Well, first of all, we always consider very seriously the advice and the messages coming from our allies, definitely from washington. But i would take the sentence as it is. Israel never asked the others to protect us. And we are trying to protect ourselves. We are trying to survive in this difficult area with, as ive said, the iranians trying to do everything in their power to destabilise the the area, the region, to spoil the atmosphere here, to resist Abraham Accords and now the attempts of israel to sign Peace Treaties with other countries. And we will have to protect ourselves, by all means. And having wonderful allies like United States, britain, germany, france and other countries definitely helps in our efforts. But its not that we we are looking for boots on the ground from other countries instead of our own military. Yuli edelstein talking to me earlier. Youre watching bbc news. Israels Defence Minister says confrontation with iran is not over, and his country must be prepared. Iran says it will retaliate with much stronger action if israel launches a counterstrike. Iran doesntjust pose a threat to israel, it poses a threat to the entire middle east. The Un Security Council is holding an Emergency Meeting about the attacks the Secretary General calling for restraint. It is time to step back from the brink it is time to step back from the brink it it is time to step back from the brink it is it is time to step back from the brink. It is vital to avoid any action brink. It is vital to avoid any action that could lead to Military Confrontations or multiple fronts in the middle east. The us warns it doesnt want the crisis to escalate but says its up to israel, how to respond. With me isjeremy bowen, our international editor. 24 our international editor. Hours now since this attac launched 24 hours now since this attack was launched by iran and what is your assessment as countries around the World Scramble to try to de escalated . It World Scramble to try to deescalated . World scramble to try to deescalated . ,. ,. , deescalated . It is a dangerous moment and deescalated . It is a dangerous moment and being deescalated . It is a dangerous| moment and being deescalated moment and being de escalated successfully right now although there are plenty of warnings flying around and the consequences of what may be happening. Since october the 7th, attacks on israel and actually, the process is sped up and theres been a steady slide towards an all out war in the middle east and the true gambles by israel and iran which are book ending this particular phase of the crisis may have sped that up and went on talking about is the attack first of all two weeks ago and the iranian consulate in damascus by israel and the response. There is evidence that israel miscalculated iran possible his response to that and the question now is whether having to send 300 missiles and drones plus on the direction of israel, whether israel is now ready asjoe biden wants, to sit down and take the victory or pushback and with some kind of Military Action that could escalate the situation. Thei;i kind of Military Action that could escalate the situation. Escalate the situation. They say there needs escalate the situation. They say there needs to escalate the situation. They say there needs to be escalate the situation. They say there needs to be a escalate the situation. They say there needs to be a response. Escalate the situation. They say l there needs to be a response and whether would look like at the time what do you think of what would be on the table right now . What do you think of what would be on the table right now . They have a feast of targets on the table right now . They have a feast of targets and on the table right now . They have a feast of targets and they on the table right now . They have a feast of targets and they have on the table right now . They have a feast of targets and they have a feast of targets and they have a Nuclear Programme in which they have been concerned about for many years. I remember Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister manoeuvres earlier terms something along the lines of its 1938 and the iranian president as hitler. They are concerned about what iran might be developing and could that be one of their things theyre of doing without the americans. No be considered a massive escalation and when they try to calibrate what they did in the same way that the iranians appear to have done in terms of telegraphing what they were going to do and effectively issuing a warning saying here we come. And train make a point of force rather than trying an all out attack and these are very important discussions and decisions that must be going on at the moment because the stakes are really high with the middle east and so inflated with the middle east and so inflated with crisis for loads of reasons that could just be one miscalculation away from the brink. We talk a lot about the us and its influence on israel and lots of countries in the middle east also, jordan intercepted the missile and called in the Iranian Ambassador there and we saw them reach out to there and we saw them reach out to the Israeli Foreign minister and saudi arabia only recently with iran and there was so much possible fallout from what could happen next and the influence of for those countries have. And the influence of for those countries have. Mostly peripheral and getting countries have. Mostly peripheral and getting their countries have. Mostly peripheral and getting their own countries have. Mostly peripheral and getting their own agendas. Countries have. Mostly peripheral| and getting their own agendas and while they may become aware of what their friends and allies want,. Going back to the un, the ambassador is intercepting those missiles. Ind is intercepting those missiles. And its crew, unconditionally and without its crew, unconditionally and without delay. Iran possible his actions without delay. Iran possible his actions do without delay. Iran possible his actions do nothing to advance the prospects actions do nothing to advance the prospects for peace in israel and gaze prospects for peace in israel and gaze in prospects for peace in israel and gaza. In Security Council in 2728, there gaza. In Security Council in 2728, there was gaza. In Security Council in 2728, there was off to work with International Partners to secure an immediate International Partners to secure an immediate positive fighting in gaza to give immediate positive fighting in gaza to give aid and in hostages out and lead to to give aid and in hostages out and lead to a to give aid and in hostages out and lead to a sustainable cease fire without lead to a sustainable cease fire without a lead to a sustainable cease fire Without A Return To Destruction Fighting Without A Return To Destruction Fighting and the loss of life. Thank you, Madam President. We fighting and the loss of life. Thank you, Madam President. We caught the end of the un you, Madam President. We caught the end of the un council you, Madam President. We caught the end of the un council and you, Madam President. We caught the end of the un council and standing end of the un council and standing for Israel Security and the regional partners and all the signalling has changed in the past 24 hours from the comes to israels allies. And the comes to israels allies. And the us which is been extremely critical over the past few weeks when it came to the situation in gaza and thats the background and not todays story and has that alliance, that support, has reaffirmed its of giving this on israel from iran . I reaffirmed its of giving this on israel from iran . Reaffirmed its of giving this on israelfrom iran . Israel from iran . I dont think the unanimity that israel from iran . I dont think the unanimity that they israel from iran . I dont think the unanimity that they have israel from iran . I dont think the l unanimity that they have displayed in terms of this attack from iran necessarily means that theyre going to change the minds of whats happening in gaza. It is still a massive humanitarian crisis instill a famine which is created and is still a crisis in negotiations and a massive come up with a proposal which is what they would want which is a six week cease fire before they even think about handing over a hostage and an agreement of getting further away on that. I think there is a way that somehow, there was a way of having a lasting cease fire and a war on gaza and it would de escalate and call the rest of the middle east. We deescalate and call the rest of the middle east middle east. We talk about the resonse middle east. We talk about the resnonse and middle east. We talk about the response and what middle east. We talk about the response and what do middle east. We talk about the response and what do iran middle east. We talk about the | response and what do iran want middle east. We talk about the response and what do iran want and what is their in game and pushing and pushing israel constantly over the past six months and israel would sit for many, but is that they want to achieve and. To achieve and. Immediately or loner in to achieve and. Immediately or longer in historically to achieve and. Immediately or longer in historically speaking, | to achieve and. Immediately or longer in historically speaking, the idea that the Islamic Republic in the lease should not have a jewish state in the heart of it and they would rather that israel was not there and they are very much entrenched enemies of israel and they are acting in support of whats going on in gaza. They say. I dont know how effective that is but not talking so much about gaza but supporting israel. Ithink talking so much about gaza but supporting israel. I think Benjamin Netanyahu is gone now from being a man who is under pressure because of the rift that it opened up between him and joe biden another important western allies and now, they are rallying behind israel and walking a little bit taller. In the least a few days and part of irans calculations and the calculation that are on makes is they want to preserve the islamic regime and its country. That is the main thing and thatis country. That is the main thing and that is why they are risking all out wars that i think with the attack on israel that they are throwing the dice. Our north america correspondent Nada Tawfikjoins Me from the un in new york. Whats been happening over the past 15 or so. � , whats been happening over the past 15 orso. � , 15 or so. After the second day of aeneral, 15 or so. After the second day of general. They 15 or so. After the second day of general, they really 15 or so. After the second day of general, they really calling 15 or so. After the second day of general, they really calling for l general, they really calling for De Escalation for the parties to avoid an all out war on multiple fronts in the least of even hearing several Council Members that echoed the same exact sentiment and for a few that raise the issue thatjeremy did their the cease fire would have a calming effect in the region and the algerian ambassador saying that all the issues and then east are interconnected and theyve been speaking about that for quite some time and they have to address the root cause and the Palestinian Statehood and their right to estate and a pretext for conflict if they are not addressed in the algerian ambassador saying the region as at the Point Of No Return and warning about escalation there. We heard from the United States as well. Israel possible strongest ally on the council and the United States says they would be discussing in the coming days of the Security Council could work more to condemn iran and now theyll be difficult, given irans allies russia and china are likely to support any type of resolution on sanctions and any other type of resolution that would be critical of iran. Of the United States also made an interesting point that they are not seeking escalation and in fact, their actions have been purely defensive and they want to get back to discussing gaza and the Cease Fire Thatis discussing gaza and the cease fire that is tied to the hostage deal. So, the United States very much making the point that while they stand ironclad in support of their ally, israel. They do want to get back to addressing the issue in gaza. Good we have been hearing so far in the council, the United Kingdom as well, warning iran from doing anything else that could destabilise the region. 1150 destabilise the region. Also reiterating destabilise the region. Also reiterating their destabilise the region. Also reiterating their support for israel. , israel. That is exactly right. Ambassador israel. That is exactly right. Ambassador made israel. That is exactly right. Ambassador made the israel. That is exactly right. | ambassador made the point israel. That is exactly right. Ambassador made the point that this is the first direct attack by iran on israel and on israeli soil, risking the security and stability of the region and surely echoed what weve heard from several councilmembers making the point that is important for the parties understand how crucial this moment is an app created situation is at the moment and for all of the parties to really tone down the temperature so that they can focus on the civilians in gaza and getting the hostages released and not having this turned into a wider war on multiple fronts. Haste this turned into a wider war on multiple fronts. This turned into a wider war on multiple fronts. We have the clip available now. The United Kingdom condemns unequivocally irans reckless attack against unequivocally irans reckless attack against israel which Wrist Thousands of civilian against israel which Wrist Thousands of civilian casualties. The scale and nature of civilian casualties. The scale and nature of the heinous assault in the first and nature of the heinous assault in the first direct attack from iran on israeli the first direct attack from iran on israeli soil the first direct attack from iran on israeli soil poses great risks to the security and stability of citizens the security and stability of citizens across the middle east. The united citizens across the middle east. The United Kingdom has long been clear that iran United Kingdom has long been clear that iran plays an unacceptable role in destabilising the region. It also bears in destabilising the region. It also bears responsibility for the actions of groups bears responsibility for the actions of groups it has supported militarily. Financially and politically over many years. Through this attack, politically over many years. Through this attack, iran has once again demonstrated that it is intend on sowing demonstrated that it is intend on sowing chaos in the region. As we have sowing chaos in the region. As we have demonstrated, the United Kingdom have demonstrated, the United Kingdom will continue to stand up for israel kingdom will continue to stand up for israel possible security. And for israel possible security. And for that for israel possible security. And for that of for israel possible security. And for that of all the regional partners, includingjordan for that of all the regional partners, including jordan and for that of all the regional partners, includingjordan and iraq. We welcome the actions of our allies to determine the iranian threat. No one wants to determine the iranian threat. No one wants to see further bloodshed. United one wants to see further bloodshed. United kingdom is also to work urgently United Kingdom is also to work urgently alongside the International Community to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation and it is vital and prevent further escalation and it is vital that all parties Exercise Maximum restraint and refrain Exercise Maximum restraint and refrain from any action that may heighten refrain from any action that may heighten tensions further in the region heighten tensions further in the region. And we also call on iran to release the region. And we also call on iran to release the msc aries and its crew unconditionally and without delay. Irans unconditionally and without delay. Irans actions do nothing to advance the prospects for peace in israel and gaza the prospects for peace in israel and gaza. As the Security Council resolution, and gaza. As the Security Council resolution, the United Kingdom remains resolution, the United Kingdom remains resolved to work with International Partners to secure an immediate International Partners to secure an immediate pause in the fighting in gaza to immediate pause in the fighting in gaza to give aid in an hostages out, leading gaza to give aid in an hostages out, leading to gaza to give aid in an hostages out, leading to a gaza to give aid in an hostages out, leading to a sustainable cease fire without leading to a sustainable cease fire without The Return To Destruction Fighting without The Return To Destruction Fighting and the loss of life. In the next ten minutes we are expecting to hear also from israel and from iran. I5 expecting to hear also from israel and from iran. And from iran. Is right in syria because the and from iran. Is right in syria because the embassy and from iran. Is right in syria i because the Embassy Compound and from iran. Is right in syria because the Embassy Compound that Israel Attacked was in damascus in syria. And theyre able to address the council as well and on this topic as well, it is very interesting to jeremys topic as well, it is very interesting tojeremy� s point topic as well, it is very interesting to jeremys point that you are speaking about a bit earlier. This really has brought the focus away from what is happening in gaza to what is happening, im sorry. Switzerland is speaking and after Thatis Switzerland is speaking and after that is the Russian Federation and then china. Our team at bbc our team at the bbc verify hub has been looking at all the images and videos that have come out overnight. Our verify reporter Merlyn Thomas has more. For the first time, iran has carried out direct attacks against israel. Are launched against israel and many were intercepted and destroyed and Ballistic Missiles are launched against israel and many were intercepted and destroyed but one was reportedly injured by shrapnel. Several videos showcase near the mosque injerusalem and this next video you can see missiles of drones hitting targets in israel air defences intercepting them. Targets and israel air defences intercepting them. This is a still from that video i just showed you and we have matched that with this available image on the outskirts ofjerusalem. The russian investors speaking. The russian ambassador� s speaking. No less turbulent topics for the middle east today. For example, a bout of the regular tax by israel against neighbouring syria and lebanon. And if such attitude and such things will continue unnoticed then your appeal to restrain all parties can become futile. Distinguished colleagues, will be met in this chamber on the 2nd of april to discuss this strike by israel against the Consulate Premises of the Islamic Republic of damascus, we warned what was needed was a strong and unified signal by the council that such actions are unacceptable. And not only can sovereign states in syria and not just the middle east, but anywhere in the world, we called on colleagues within Security Council and to condemn such reckless steps so they do not get repeated and we warned that otherwise, the risk of a repeat of such acts and the general escalation in the region would grow many fold. We even proposed a Draft Press Statement by the Security Council and this was put together on the basis of standards and depoliticize language. And what did we hear at that time from our western delegations. For them, we hear at that time from our western delegations. Forthem, not everything was clear and obvious and what was necessary was to assess and see whether such things from the council would stabilise the region. The United States, uk and france declined to confirm the basic principles of International Law have had viability of democratic and consulate facilities which are enshrined against the convention on this issue and apply equally to all states. And, the outcome is now clear for everyone to see. You know very well that an attack against a diplomatic representation is a casus belli under International Law and if it Western Representation had been hit, you would immediately have rained down reprisals and would argue that you are right about this is very chamber. And this is because for you, everything that has to do with Western Representation in Western Systems is sacred and needs to be protected. But when it comes to be protected. But when it comes to other countries, their rights, including the right to self defense about their national health, that is about their national health, that is a different matter, as you like to say. And what you see is you activate your favourite thing about lack of information and need splitting and today come the Security Council we are hitting this display of hypocrisy double standards. It is almost embarrassing to watch. Russia has warned on many occasions the fact that many crazies in the middle east are unsettled first and foremost on the Palestinian Conflict which are fuelled by irresponsible unilateral and provocative acts and it will lead to the growth of tension in the region. We have stated on many occasions that no country in Northern Africa should become an arena for Regional International confrontations or an arena for settling political scores. What happened in the 14th Of April did not happen in a vacuum. The steps undertaken by iraq became a reaction to a disgraceful inaction by the Security Council and a reaction to an egregious attack by Israel Against Damascus and syria is constantly being bombarded. Many did not have the courage to state clearly that the outburst of violence in the middle east is developing against the background of an operation which is lasting with the six months is unprecedented in terms of the numbers of victims and operations conducted by Western Jerusalem and an unambiguous demand and their resolution to cease fire immediately. Such silence about the deep root of the crisis is unacceptable especially against a background of the tensions surrounding iran which is fuelled by the us and other colleagues in the fact that israel is not complying with the Security Council resolutions is an obvious disrespect shown to the council to all of you. You who are here and the members seat and a complete disregard to the decisions made by the Security Council. And the Security Councils are not something that when she get away with and it is fraught with sanctions against the violator. Madam president , we recall very well the Dangerous Escalations Injanuary 202o the dangerous Escalations Injanuary 2020 when the region was on the brink of a conflict as a result of an illegal legislation on iraqi territory and a number of other iraqi officials. In washington did not try Property Conclusions and as a result of that, reckless acts undermining Stability Security and sovereignty of regional neighbours of iran are continuing. We call on all involved in the incident and all parties involved in the incident to showcase restraint under the tense situation the middle east. And the obvious risk of the conflict growing and becoming a regionwide. We expect the regional states will resolve all of the issues they have using political and diplomatic means only. We dig it is important that the constructive International Players assisted in this matter and despite the confrontation and bloodshed must be stopped. And we think it is urgent for the entire International Community to undertake all efforts necessary to de escalate the situation. Otherwise, the region could become drawn into a vicious cycle of attacks and violations. We know the signal set by tehran that they do not seek a further Military Escalation against israel and we urge Western Jerusalem escalation against israel and we urge westernjerusalem to escalation against israel and we urge Western Jerusalem to follow suit and reject the practice of provocative use of force in the middle east and they are fraught with extremely dangerous risks and consequences for the whole region which is already destabilised as a result of intensified Israeli Palestinian confrontation. I think you. I thank you. Madam president , ithink Madam President , i think Secretary General Madam President , i think Secretary General for his briefing. I look Forward General for his briefing. I look forward to general for his briefing. I look forward to hearing the statements. We specified on the situation, since the gaza we specified on the situation, since the Gaza Conflict began, the International Community has deployed the unacceptable humanitarian catastrophe in gaza and made strong demands catastrophe in gaza and made strong demands for an immediate cease fire to end demands for an immediate cease fire to end the demands for an immediate cease fire to end the hostilities. It has also expressed to end the hostilities. It has also expressed grave concerns on how a prolonged expressed grave concerns on how a prolonged conflict will exacerbate the tensions in the region with serious the tensions in the region with serious compounding spill over effects serious compounding spill over effects. 0n the 1st of april, iran possible effects. 0n the 1st of april, iran possible plus diplomatic premises in syria were possible plus diplomatic premises in syria were targeted in an air strike resulting syria were targeted in an air strike resulting in syria were targeted in an air strike resulting in multiple casualties on the iranian side and serious damage to the the iranian side and serious damage to the premises. This incident was a serious to the premises. This incident was a serious violation of the un charter and International Law and violated both the and International Law and violated both the sovereignty of syria and that of both the sovereignty of syria and that of iran. It was of the most egregious that of iran. It was of the most egregious nature. And a moment ago, secretary egregious nature. And a moment ago, Secretary General briefed us on the escalation Secretary General briefed us on the escalation of what happened on the 13th of escalation of what happened on the 13th Of April which china finds highly 13th Of April which china finds highly concerning weve also noted that according to iran, Military Action that according to iran, Military Action is that according to iran, Military Action is in that according to iran, Military Action is in response to the aggression against diplomatic premises. In the matter can be deemed premises. In the matter can be deemed concluded. China some of the parties deemed concluded. China some of the parties concerned will show maximum common parties concerned will show maximum common restraint and results of their common restraint and results of their common restraint and results of their resolve their differences in disputes their resolve their differences in disputes with the un charter and International Law to prevent any further International Law to prevent any further escalations. Madam, this round further escalations. Madam, this round of further escalations. Madam, this round of escalations is the latest manifestation of the Gaza Conflict spilling manifestation of the Gaza Conflict spilling over to the wider region and a spilling over to the wider region and a Reminderthat Spilling over to the wider region and a reminder that the Palestinian Question and a reminder that the Palestinian Question remains essential to the middle question remains essential to the middle west issue in peace and stability middle west issue in peace and stability and long term security in the region stability and long term security in the region. If the flames of the gaza the region. If the flames of the Gaza Conflict are allowed to continue to rage, the adverse spillover continue to rage, the adverse spill over is said to spread further in making spill over is said to spread further in making the region even more unstable in making the region even more unstable. And people in the middle east have unstable. And people in the middle east have no desire for nor can they afford east have no desire for nor can they afford a east have no desire for nor can they afford a larger conflict or war. Therefore. Afford a larger conflict or war. Therefore, the top priority at this moment therefore, the top priority at this moment is therefore, the top priority at this moment is an effective implementation of resolution 2027, 2028 to implementation of resolution 2027, 2028 to bring about an immediate ceasefire 2028 to bring about an immediate cease fire and there is no alternative to the implementation of the two alternative to the implementation of the two state solution. The only way to end the two state solution. The only way to end the the two state solution. The only way to end the Vicious Circle of the Palestinian Israeli Conflict once and for Palestinian Israeli Conflict once and for all, International Community with influence to play a constructive part and Regional Peace and stability and i thank you, madame and stability and i thank you, madame. | and stability and i thank you, madame. , and stability and i thank you, madame and stability and i thank you, madame. ,. ,. ,~. , and stability and i thank you, madame. ,. ,. ,. , madame. I would now make a statement and national capacity. Madame. I would now make a statement and national capacity. I madame. I would now make a statement and national capacity. I began madame. I would now make a statement and national capacity. I began by and national capacity. I began by thinking Secretary General for his briefing in the middle east is experiencing one of the bleakest and most volatile periods and most volatile periods in modern history. We risk spiralling out of control on all sides and not taking a step back. And this was a point that brought a lot of stress following the deploy of an attack on israel on diplomatic premises in damascus on thursday. We had stressed the need for De Escalation and for maximum restraint to be exercised by all actors in the region. Regrettably, these calls for caution have been disregarded given the recent developments. We emphasise her deep concern about the significant escalation caused by a large scale attack consisting of drones and various missiles launched by the Islamic Republic of iran against israel. We are also concerned with irans seizure in the Container Ship in the areas. But this, along with its crew has been immediately and unconditionally release. Induced, including by advocating for an immediate and permanent cease fire to the war in gaza, facilitating immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and ensuring the delivery of sustained humanitarian aid throughout gaza, all we are witnessing our steps in the opposite direction. Irans direct targeting of the state of israel risks regional catastrophe, with innocent lives to bearing the brunt of all hostilities. We stressed that International Law including International Law including International Humanitarian law, must be respected at all times. Once again, we reiterate our call on all parties to Exercise Maximum restraint, including in their messaging to de escalate and pursue peaceful end of the Diplomatic Solutions to all disputes. Let us be clear, the region finds itself in turmoil and stance on the precipice of unimaginable hostilities and suffering. As the Secretary General outlines, and i quote, neither the region nor the words can afford another war nor the world. I now resume my function and i get the floor to the representative of israel. , s floor to the representative of israel. ~ ,. , floor to the representative of israel. ~ ,. ,. , israel. Thank you Madam President. Madam president , israel. Thank you Madam President. Madam president , yesterday israel. Thank you Madam President. Madam president , yesterday the Madam President , yesterday the regime Madam President , yesterday the regime in Madam President , yesterday the regime in blatant violation of the