Israeli raids in Lebanon have already killed more than 550 people. Borrell calls for UN Security Council intervention

Brussels – The international community in New York for the 79th session of the UN General Assembly is looking toward the Middle East with concern. The worst-case scenario is materializing; after a year, the conflict between Israel and Hamas has become a regional war. “The Security Council must play its role,” is the appeal made by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, in the face of the “alarming toll” of casualties from Israeli attacks in Lebanon.

According to the latest figures released by the Beirut Health Ministry, Israeli air force raids have already killed 558 people, including 50 children and 94 women, and wounded 1,835. Two United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) workers were also among the victims. “We urgently need to stop the path to war. Both sides must implement an immediate ceasefire,” pleaded the head of European diplomacy.

Borrell appeals to the UN’s highest body because Security Council resolutions—unlike those of the General Assembly—are the only ones binding on the 193 United Nations members. At least on paper: on March 25, after months of US-Russian cross-vetoes, the Security Council had adopted a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire on Gaza during the month of Ramadan and the unconditional release of all hostages. A demand that remains unheeded to this day.

Among other things, Netanyahu’s government does not rule out, “if necessary,” a land-based intervention in southern Lebanon to break up Hezbollah cells and allow the safe return of displaced Israelis to the north of the country. In the frightening narrative in numbers that has been going on since  October 7 in Gaza and has now begun in the Cedar Country as well, Tel Aviv lists “the approximately 400 medium-range rocket launchers, 70 weapons depots and about 80 Hezbollah drones and cruise missiles” destroyed by the more than 250 fighter planes that in two days “dropped about 2,000 munitions.”

The death toll of Israeli strikes in Lebanon is alarming. The latest figures say over 500 casualties, with 50 children among the victims.

The Security Council has to play its role. We urgently need to halt the path to war. Both sides need to implement an immediate ceasefire.

– Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) September 24, 2024