Israeli Airstrike Kills Hezbollah Leader Nasrallah Amid Regional Power Struggles and Calls for UN Reforms
Netanyahu declares strategic victory with Nasrallah's death amid escalating regional tensions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a significant strategic victory for Israel with the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a Beirut airstrike. He emphasized that this move aims to enhance the safety of northern residents and shift the regional balance of power, particularly influencing the hostage situation with Hamas in Gaza.
However, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, condemned Israel's actions in Gaza at the UN, calling them "barbaric practices" against Palestinian civilians. He urged the UN to recognize Palestine as a full member state, stressing the need for a two-state solution and Saudi Arabia’s commitment to regional peace, including relations with Iran and initiatives in Yemen and Syria.
Amid these regional tensions, Lebanon finds itself "between mafia and militia," with political experts criticizing the U.S. for its ineffective intervention. The recent killing of Nasrallah by Israeli airstrikes has only heightened hostilities, with experts predicting increased casualties and regional instability.
In a more positive development, Kuwait's ambassador to the UN, Tareq AlBanai, hailed a historic breakthrough with an agreement aimed at reforming the UN Security Council. This pact follows years of stalled negotiations and calls for a more representative body, including potential new permanent seats for regions like Africa and Asia-Pacific.
As the situation in Lebanon escalates, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has called for an immediate ceasefire following the airstrike that killed Nasrallah. He stressed the need for a diplomatic solution to restore stability and has advised British nationals to leave Lebanon for their safety.
Lastly, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called for comprehensive multilateral reform at the UN General Assembly, highlighting the necessity for a system that ensures global justice. He criticized the double standards in international responses, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and urged for global cooperation on peace, sustainable development, and climate action, especially focusing on Africa.