The foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq condemned Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, calling for urgent international intervention. They emphasized the need to halt violence, particularly Israeli aggression in Gaza, and warned that such actions could lead to a broader conflict. The situation remains dire, with significant civilian casualties reported as Israeli airstrikes intensify against Hezbollah, prompting further rocket fire from the group into Israel. US and UN leaders have urged for diplomatic solutions to avoid further escalation.
During a meeting on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq jointly condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. They emphasized the urgent need for international intervention to mitigate the escalating conflict in these regions. The ministers articulated that any efforts to halt the ongoing violence must fundamentally involve an end to the Israeli military aggression against Gaza. Furthermore, they condemned the Israeli operations in Lebanon, expressing concerns that such actions could precipitate a broader regional conflict. In their joint statement, they asserted, “The escalating violence must stop, starting with halting Israeli aggression on Gaza,” and expressed a clear warning that continued Israeli actions in Lebanon could lead the Middle East toward a catastrophic war. They called upon the global community and the United Nations Security Council to intervene decisively in the conflict, asserting that Israel bears substantial responsibility for the escalating tensions, which threaten severe consequences for the regional stability. As the conflict intensified, Lebanon’s health minister described the dire situation in his nation as “carnage” as hospitals struggled to manage the influx of casualties from a series of Israeli air raids aimed at targeting Hezbollah. Reports indicated a significant civilian toll, with many among the approximately 550 fatalities being women and children. Israeli forces justified their attacks by claiming they were targeting numerous Hezbollah sites purportedly harbored in civilian areas. Further complicating the situation, the Israeli military eliminated key leaders of Hezbollah’s military operations in ongoing strikes. In retaliation, Hezbollah launched a series of rockets into Israel, marking an escalation in an already volatile exchange of hostilities. The group utilized longer-range projectiles, eliciting air raid warnings throughout Israel. Reports indicated successful interception with no immediate casualties reported on the Israeli side. Despite the intensifying military engagements, US President Joe Biden emphasized at the UN that a complete outbreak of conflict would be detrimental to all parties involved, stating optimism for a diplomatic resolution. UN Secretary General António Guterres voiced concerns about the future, cautioning against Lebanon becoming another Gaza-like scenario. An Israeli airstrike reportedly resulted in the deaths of six family members, including young children, when their home in the Lebanese village of Maisara was targeted. Local officials confirmed the casualties were the family members of a deceased Hezbollah fighter. Human Rights Watch condemned Israel’s continued bombardment in Lebanon, alleging it put civilians in grave peril and called for an inquiry into the actions of both Israel and Hezbollah. They documented over a thousand airstrikes on Lebanon since hostilities reignited, signaling the severe implications for civilian safety throughout the region.
The escalating conflict in Lebanon and Gaza has drawn sharp criticism from multiple regional entities. The foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq convened to discuss the pressing issues at the UN General Assembly. Their statements reflect growing international concern regarding the humanitarian situation exacerbated by military actions in the areas identified. As tensions heighten, the need for diplomatic solutions and humanitarian intervention becomes increasingly urgent, particularly in light of rising civilian casualties and international calls for accountability from both sides of the conflict.
The joint condemnation by the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq highlights the urgent need for international intervention to address the escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon and Gaza. The situation calls for an immediate cessation of aggressive actions to prevent the conflict from spiraling into a larger regional war. The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon as a result of ongoing strikes necessitates a coordinated diplomatic response to mitigate civilian suffering and restore stability to the region.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com