Politics Middle East escalation: Iran and Israel call for international response

Iran is calling on the international community to take action against Israel following the targeted killing of a senior Hamas commander in Tehran. The act, allegedly carried out by Israel, violates international law and "indicates an intention to escalate the conflict and extend the war to the entire region", Iranian UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told the UN Security Council in New York.

"The United Nations Security Council in particular cannot remain indifferent to such heinous crimes and must take decisive action against these violations," Iravani continued.

Tensions in the Middle East had risen following the targeted killing of a high-ranking leader of the Islamist Hamas in Tehran - Iran and Hamas are threatening Israel with retaliation. According to Hamas, its foreign chief, Ismail Hanija, was killed in an Israeli attack.

The deputy Israeli ambassador Jonathan Miller described the hypocrisy of some countries towards Iran. They feigned concern about a regional escalation without addressing the root of the escalation - Iran itself. Tehran is destabilizing the entire Middle East by funding proxy groups. "We therefore call for this Council to condemn Iran for its continued support of regional terrorism and to tighten sanctions against Tehran."

US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood had previously defended the American ally Israel before the most powerful UN body. Referring to the devastating rocket attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that killed twelve children and teenagers, Wood said that Israel had the right "to defend itself against attacks by Hezbollah and other terrorists".

Russia and China condemned the killing of Ismail Haniya, who had been in the country at Iran's invitation. The 15 Council members all called for a de-escalation of the situation.