UN Security Council holds emergency meeting on Middle East tensions

On the afternoon of February 5, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting at Russia's request, as the war in the Gaza Strip continues to spread throughout the Middle East and threatens to lead to catastrophic consequences for world peace and security.

Speaking at the meeting, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Peacebuilding Rosemary DiCarlo warned that the increasing attacks in many parts of the Middle East are making the risk of miscalculation closer, and urged urgent action to de-escalate tensions.

Ms. Rosemary said that UN Secretary-General António Guterres has repeatedly warned of the risk of escalating military tensions and miscalculation since the conflict between Hamas and Israel would push the region into "a fiery cauldron."

Attacks have been taking place almost daily across the Middle East, including about 165 on US facilities in Syria and Iraq, triggering retaliatory US air strikes against the two countries, according to UN officials.

China's Ambassador to the United Nations Zhang Jun said history has proven that using military means will not bring any solution to tensions in the Middle East.

Mr. Zhang Jun urged relevant parties to exercise restraint, abide by the United Nations Charter and international law, stop illegal military actions and not let the situation get out of control.

According to the Chinese diplomat, the crux of the current problem is that there is no ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing that all countries need to commit to pursuing the common goal of ensuring regional stability.

For her part, Ambassador and Head of the Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom to the United Nations Barbara Woodward stated that the UK "fully supports" all efforts to ensure and maintain international peace and security, including peace and security in Iraq and Syria.