The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened an emergency meeting today at Iran’s request, following a series of deadly missile strikes by Israel in retaliation for an October 1 attack attributed to Tehran.
The meeting, initiated by Iran and supported by Algeria, China, and Russia, underscores the escalating tensions in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the “precise and powerful” strikes on Iran were a success, stating that they achieved their intended objectives.
This development comes amid ongoing Israeli military actions targeting positions in Gaza and Lebanon.
Reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes on military installations in Iran heightened fears of a broader regional conflict and sparked global calls for restraint. Iranian officials, however, downplayed the impact of the strikes, asserting that they caused limited damage and resulted in the deaths of only four soldiers.
In a speech marking the anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7 last year, Netanyahu emphasised that the retaliatory actions were necessary after Iran fired approximately 200 missiles at Israel, most of which were intercepted.
He stated, “We kept our promise. The air force attacked Iran and hit Iran’s defense capabilities and missile production.”
Netanyahu’s remarks were met with protests from families of victims of the previous Hamas attack, reflecting public frustration over the ongoing conflict and the need for resolution.
Amid increasing diplomatic pressure, Israeli spy chief David Barnea is set to travel to Qatar to negotiate the potential release of remaining hostages held in Gaza. Families of the captives have urged the Israeli government to secure a deal, especially after the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar earlier this month, who was seen as a key obstacle to negotiations.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant acknowledged that “painful concessions” would be necessary to secure the hostages’ release, asserting that military action alone would not suffice to achieve Israel’s broader objectives in the ongoing conflict.
