UN Security Council holds emergency meeting on escalating tensions in the Middle East

On the afternoon of August 13, New York time, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting at the request of Algeria to hear a report on the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Speaking at the meeting, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary Di Carlo affirmed that the United Nations is witnessing extremely worrying developments and increasing tensions in the Middle East, and stressed that all parties involved in the conflict in Gaza need to refrain from statements and actions that escalate the situation, prioritize the protection of civilians and civilian property, and comply with international humanitarian law.

Earlier, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned Israel's attack last weekend on Al-Taba'een school in Gaza City, which left about 100 people dead or injured.

In addition, the United Nations also welcomed an initiative by Egypt, Qatar and the United States to bring both sides towards a ceasefire, release hostages and deploy humanitarian aid.

Speaking at the session, Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Fu Tong said Beijing urged the US to actively influence Israel and persuade Tel Aviv to stop killing civilians in the Gaza Strip.

For his part, Deputy Head of the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations Dmitry Polyanskiy said the Security Council should consider solutions that could help ease tensions in Gaza, such as a joint inspection plan to this territory.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the overarching US goal in the Middle East is to "de-escalate," prevent any future attacks and avoid regional conflict.

That goal, Washington says, should start with an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip.