Egypt: Egypt’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ehab Mostafa Awad, has affirmed that boosting co-operation between the organisation and the Arab League is no longer merely an ‘institutional option,’ but has become a ‘strategic necessity’ that is imposed by the intertwined challenges facing the region, ranging from wars to worsening humanitarian crises.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Awad, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group during a Security Council briefing, condemned the ‘unjustified’ attacks by Iran on several countries in the region, including Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq. He stressed the targeted states’ rights to defend themselves in accordance with international law.

The Egyptian representative also condemned what he described as ‘provocative moves’ that aim at closing the Strait of Hormuz, and emphasised the need for the international community to ensure freedom of navigation and secure safe passage through this vital maritime route for global trade and energy.

On Lebanon, Awad welcomed the Lebanese Cabinet’s decision to ban all security and military activities of Hezbollah, urging the international community to pressure Israel to halt its ongoing attacks on Lebanese territory.