Need to maintain security ‘more pressing than ever,’ joint statement says Israeli strikes this week have killed more than 500 Lebanese, injured thousands NEW YORK CITY: The UN Security Council has issued a statement warning against the “scourge of war” amid heightened fears of regional conflict in the Middle East. It follows a significant escalation between Israel and Hezbollah this week, with Israeli strikes killing more than 500 Lebanese citizens and injuring thousands. The UNSC’s focus is also on the Russia-Ukraine war and conflict in Sudan, with representatives from all three countries present in New York City this week for the 79th UN General Assembly. “The Security Council recalls that the UN was established to save mankind from the scourge of war,” the statement said. “The need to strengthen resolve to maintain international peace and security, consistent with the UN Charter, is more pressing than ever.” Issued by the UNSC president for September, Samuel Zbogar, the statement described the UN Charter’s principles as “universal, indispensable and irreplaceable foundations of a more safe, peaceful, just, equal, inclusive, sustainable and prosperous world.” Achieving and sustaining global peace requires a “comprehensive approach,” it added. The UNSC highlighted its “strong support for the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The council calls upon all parties to armed conflict to comply fully with their obligations under international humanitarian law, in order to respect and protect civilians, including humanitarian personnel, and reiterates its commitment towards accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.” Alongside the permanent five members of the UNSC — the US, UK, France, Russia and China — there are 10 non-permanent members: Algeria, Japan, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and Switzerland. The statement added: “The Security Council reaffirms that development, peace and security, and human rights are interlinked and mutually reinforcing. “The council recognizes that the spirit that guided the creation of the UN should prevail and inspire mankind to persist on the path of peace.”