UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday condemned the Iranian missile attack on Israel, telling the Security Council that the “deadly cycle of violence must stop.”
“Time is running out,” he told the council.
The 15-member council met after Israel killed the leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah and began a ground assault on the Iran-backed militant group. Iran attacked Israel in a strike that raised fears of a broader war in the Middle East.
“I once again strongly condemn the massive missile attack launched by Iran yesterday against Israel,” Guterres told the council.
Earlier on Wednesday, Israel’s foreign minister said he banned Guterres from entering the country because he did not “unequivocally” condemn the Iranian missile attack on Israel.
In a letter to the Security Council on Tuesday, Iran justified its attack on Israel as self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Founding Charter, citing “aggressive actions” by Israel including violations of Iran’s sovereignty.
“Iran… in full compliance with the principle of distinction under international humanitarian law, has only targeted the regime’s military and security installations with its defensive missile strikes,” Iran wrote to the council.
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Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon on Wednesday rejected Iran’s claim of self-defense.
“It was a calculated attack on a civilian population,” he told reporters. He added that Israel will not stand idly by in the face of such aggression. Israel will respond. Our response will be decisive, and yes it will be painful, but unlike Iran, we will act in full accordance with international law.”
—Michelle Nichols reports. Edited by Katherine Jackson and Jonathan Oatis
