This comes after the ballistic missile strike by Iran on Israel and as Israel continues its incursion into southern Lebanon.

The Council, without naming Israel, issued a firm rebuke through Council President and Swiss Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl.

The members of the Security Council affirmed their full support for Guterres, his important role and that of the wider UN.

They underscored the need for all member states to have a productive and effective relationship with the SG and refrain from any actions that undermine his work and that of his office.

The members of the UNSC further underscored that any decision not to engage with the UNSG or the UN is counterproductive, especially in the context of escalating tensions in the Middle East.

--SABC--