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The Security Council Security Council Situation Report 28 October 2024
Situation Report on Matters Pertaining to International Peace and Security
This update complements the background guide published in the AMUN Handbook. For a more comprehensive background on the issues presented in this update, please refer to the 2024 AMUN Handbook Security Council section. (Editorial Note: This information in this situation report is accurate and up-to-date as of 13 October, 2024).
The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestine question
The Situation in Lebanon
After the 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas against Israel, Hezbollah began launching rockets and missiles against Israel in solidarity with Hamas. Hezbollah is an Islamist political party and military organization in Lebanon, closely allied to Iran. Due to its alliance with Iran, Hezbollah maintains a large arsenal of sophisticated rockets and missiles, some of which are capable of hitting Tel Aviv in Israel. Hezbollah’s military organization is separate from the Lebanese Army and is widely considered superior to the Lebanese Army in terms of manpower, training and equipment. In late September 2024, the Israeli representative to the United Nations reported that, since 7 October 2023, Hezbollah fired over 8,000 missiles into north Israel, displacing approximately 70,000 Israelis living in northern Israel near the border with Lebanon.
On 16 September 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the intent to make it safe for displaced Israelis to return to the north through military action against Hezbollah. Over the next few days, the Israeli government exploded bombs hidden inside pagers and radios used by Hezbollah. Over 30 people were killed, and several thousand were injured. Lebanese media reported many of those killed or injured were civilians employed by Hezbollah as medical workers, teachers or administrators. Israel subsequently began a campaign of airstrikes in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah leaders and weapons caches. Some of the Israeli airstrikes were conducted in urban areas, including the capital city of Beirut, causing heavy casualties. As of 10 October, the Lebanese government reported that over 2,000 people have been killed but did not specify how many were Hezbollah soldiers. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that the humanitarian situation in Lebanon is deteriorating quickly due to Israeli airstrikes and Israeli evacuation orders. Almost 700,000 people are internally displaced inside Lebanon, with an additional 300,000 people having fled the country. The Israeli government claims it is issuing evacuation orders and warnings to Lebanese civilians to avoid civilian casualties. Hezbollah continues to launch a large number of rockets, missiles and drones at Israel, including ballistic missiles targeting Tel Aviv. However, the Israeli missile defense system, known as the “Iron Dome”, has shot down many of the rockets and missiles launched by Hezbollah.
Following Israeli airstrikes in Beirut on 28 September, Hezbollah confirmed the death of long-time leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike. After Nasrallah’s death, Israel has continued with airstrikes targeting deputy Hezbollah leaders and likely successors to Nasrallah. On 1 October, Iran launched over 180 missiles at Israel in retaliation for the death of Nasrallah and others. Almost all of the missiles were intercepted by Israel’s “Iron Dome” missile defense system, with no casualties reported in Israel. UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement condemning the missile attack and continued escalation of the conflict. Israel stated it will retaliate against Iran, and it has been reported there are extensive diplomatic talks between Israel, the United States and Iran via other countries in the Middle East on the nature and scale of the expected Israeli response.
On 1 October, 2024, the Israeli government announced its soldiers had entered southern Lebanon to destroy Hezbollah rocket launching sites. The incursions by Israeli forces into southern Lebanon dramatically increased the risks for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the peacekeeping mission operating in southern Lebanon established in 1978. UNIFIL’s primary role is to observe and de-escalate possible ceasefire violations. After the Israeli-Hezbollah war in 2006, the Security Council expanded the mandate of UNIFL in resolution 1701. Under the terms of the expanded mandate, UNIFIL created a buffer zone between the Litani River in southern Lebanon and the “Blue Line”, the UN demarcated border between Israel and Lebanon. Inside the buffer zone, only UNIFIL and Lebanese Army personnel would be permitted to carry weapons. However, it is widely understood that UNIFIL largely avoids areas in the buffer zone where Hezbollah is known to operate. Despite its difficulties, the United Nations and the Security Council have maintained their support for UNIFIL and its continued mission. Following a report by the Secretary-General, UNIFIL was unanimously reauthorized by the Security Council on 28 August 2024 in resolution 2749.
On 11 and 12 October, UNIFIL reported that four peacekeepers had been wounded when Israeli tanks shot at UNIFIL observation posts. The Israeli attacks were widely condemned, with Secretary-General António Guterres condemning the attack as a violation of international law. On 13 October, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded UNIFIL withdraw from its positions along the Blue Line, claiming UNIFIL serves as human shields for Hezbollah. Additionally, on 13 October, 15 UNIFIL soldiers were injured by smoke when two Israeli tanks entered a UNIFIL base. In a statement from the Secretary-General in response, he noted UNIFIL’s role and presence in Lebanon is mandated by the Security Council and is “committed to preserving its capacity to support a diplomatic solution based on resolution 1701”.
Since the start of the current conflict in October 2023, the Security Council has come under significant international criticism for its perceived inaction in the Middle East, with Secretary-General Guterres warning the Security Council has “perhaps fatally” undermined its authority. In a recent meeting of the Security Council, the Secretary-General noted the exchange of fire between Israeli and Hezbollah forces has “expanded in scope, depth, and intensity”. In the meetings multiple members of the Council have urged deescalation and a ceasefire. However, to date no formal action has been taken by the Security Council since the escalation in hostilities.
Bibliography
As Hezbollah and Israel battle on the border, Lebanon’s army watches from the sidelines (11 October 2024). Associated Press via ABC News.
Bertrand, Natasha, and others (12 October 2024). Iran engages in urgent diplomacy as it braces for Israel’s response to missile attacks. CNN.
Burke, Jason (19 October 2023). What is Hezbollah, and how will it influence the Israel-Hamas war? The Guardian.
Chehayeb, Kareem (24 June 2024). What is Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed group that could go to all-out war against Israel?. AP News.
Coi, Giovanna (13 October 2024). 40 countries ‘strongly condemn’ Israeli attacks on UN peacekeepers. Politico.
Gebeily, Maya, and Alexander Cornwell (10 October 2024). Senior Hezbollah official survives Israeli assassination attempt, sources say. Reuters.
Gritten, David (23 September 2024). Israeli air strikes kill 492 people in Lebanon. BBC News.
Gritten, David, and others (3 October 2024). What we know about Iran’s missile attack on Israel. BBC News.
Guterres, Antonio (13 October 2024). Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
Guterres, Antonio (1 October 2024). Statement by the Secretary-General on latest attacks in the Middle East.
Hezbollah fires missile at Tel Aviv after heavy Israeli strikes on Lebanon (25 September 2024). AP News via NPR.
Hubbard, Ben, and others (9 October 2024). Over 900,000 in Lebanon Displaced, U.N. Says, as Israel Attacks Hezbollah. New York Times.
Israel’s airstrike warnings terrify Lebanese civilians and draw criticism from rights groups (11 October 2024). AP News via PBS News.
Israel Invades Lebanon: Precursors, Prospects and Pitfalls (8 October 2024). International Crisis Group.
Lai, Johnson, and Bassem Mroue (19 September 2024). Lebanon is rocked again by exploding devices as Israel declares a new phase of war. AP News.
Lukiv, Jaroslav (17 September 2024). Israel sets new war goal of returning residents to the north. BBC News.
Mackenzie, James, and Maya Gebeily (8 October 2024). Israel says it has killed slain Hezbollah leader’s successors. Reuters.
Mroue, Bassem, and Melanie Lidman (28 September 2024). Hezbollah confirms its leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike. AP News.
Netanyahu tells UN to move Lebanon peacekeepers out of ‘harm’s way’ (13 October 2024). AFP via France24.
Neuman, Scott (11 October 2024). What is the U.N. peacekeeping force stationed in Lebanon?. NPR News.
Ni Chulain, Aisling (2 October 2024). The Iron Dome: How does Israel’s missile defence system work? EuroNews.
Shamim, Sarah (11 October 2024). Israel attacks UN peacekeepers in Lebanon: Why it’s such a big deal. Al Jazeera.
Suter, Tara (22 September 2024). Hezbollah has fired more than 8,000 rockets toward Israel since Oct. 7: Ambassador. The Hill.
Tetrault-Farber, Gabrielle (26 February 2024). Security Council ‘perhaps fatally’ undermined by Gaza, Ukraine deadlock, says UN chief. Reuters.
Travers, Eileen (1 October 2024). Explainer: What is Security Council resolution 1701?. UN News.
UNIFIL statement (13 October 2024). United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
United Nations (11 October 2024). UN chief condemns attacks against peacekeepers in Lebanon.
United Nations (2 October 2024). ‘Deadly Cycle of Tit-for-Tat Violence Must Stop,’ Demands Secretary-General, as Security Council Takes Up Situation in Middle East.
United Nations (25 September 2024). ‘Hell is breaking loose in Lebanon,’ Guterres warns Security Council.
United Nations. UNIFIL Background. Accessed 13 October 2024.
United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (2024). UNIFIL Maps.
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (10 October 2024). Lebanon: Flash Update #34 – Escalation of hostilities in Lebanon, as of 10 October 2024.
What we know about Hezbollah’s weapons arsenal (29 July 2024). AFP via France24.
United Nations Documents
United Nations, Security Council (2024). The situation in the Middle East. S/PV/9712.
United Nations, Security Council (2024). The situation in the Middle East. S/RES/2749.
United Nations, Security council (2006). The situation in the Middle East. S/RES/1701.
Situation Report on Matters Pertaining to International Peace and Security
This update complements the background guide published in the AMUN Handbook. For a more comprehensive background on the issues presented in this update, please refer to the 2024 AMUN Handbook Security Council section. (Editorial Note: This information in this situation report is accurate and up-to-date as of 13 October, 2024).
The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestine question
The Situation in Lebanon
After the 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas against Israel, Hezbollah began launching rockets and missiles against Israel in solidarity with Hamas. Hezbollah is an Islamist political party and military organization in Lebanon, closely allied to Iran. Due to its alliance with Iran, Hezbollah maintains a large arsenal of sophisticated rockets and missiles, some of which are capable of hitting Tel Aviv in Israel. Hezbollah’s military organization is separate from the Lebanese Army and is widely considered superior to the Lebanese Army in terms of manpower, training and equipment. In late September 2024, the Israeli representative to the United Nations reported that, since 7 October 2023, Hezbollah fired over 8,000 missiles into north Israel, displacing approximately 70,000 Israelis living in northern Israel near the border with Lebanon.
On 16 September 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the intent to make it safe for displaced Israelis to return to the north through military action against Hezbollah. Over the next few days, the Israeli government exploded bombs hidden inside pagers and radios used by Hezbollah. Over 30 people were killed, and several thousand were injured. Lebanese media reported many of those killed or injured were civilians employed by Hezbollah as medical workers, teachers or administrators. Israel subsequently began a campaign of airstrikes in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah leaders and weapons caches. Some of the Israeli airstrikes were conducted in urban areas, including the capital city of Beirut, causing heavy casualties. As of 10 October, the Lebanese government reported that over 2,000 people have been killed but did not specify how many were Hezbollah soldiers. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that the humanitarian situation in Lebanon is deteriorating quickly due to Israeli airstrikes and Israeli evacuation orders. Almost 700,000 people are internally displaced inside Lebanon, with an additional 300,000 people having fled the country. The Israeli government claims it is issuing evacuation orders and warnings to Lebanese civilians to avoid civilian casualties. Hezbollah continues to launch a large number of rockets, missiles and drones at Israel, including ballistic missiles targeting Tel Aviv. However, the Israeli missile defense system, known as the “Iron Dome”, has shot down many of the rockets and missiles launched by Hezbollah.
Following Israeli airstrikes in Beirut on 28 September, Hezbollah confirmed the death of long-time leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike. After Nasrallah’s death, Israel has continued with airstrikes targeting deputy Hezbollah leaders and likely successors to Nasrallah. On 1 October, Iran launched over 180 missiles at Israel in retaliation for the death of Nasrallah and others. Almost all of the missiles were intercepted by Israel’s “Iron Dome” missile defense system, with no casualties reported in Israel. UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement condemning the missile attack and continued escalation of the conflict. Israel stated it will retaliate against Iran, and it has been reported there are extensive diplomatic talks between Israel, the United States and Iran via other countries in the Middle East on the nature and scale of the expected Israeli response.
On 1 October, 2024, the Israeli government announced its soldiers had entered southern Lebanon to destroy Hezbollah rocket launching sites. The incursions by Israeli forces into southern Lebanon dramatically increased the risks for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the peacekeeping mission operating in southern Lebanon established in 1978. UNIFIL’s primary role is to observe and de-escalate possible ceasefire violations. After the Israeli-Hezbollah war in 2006, the Security Council expanded the mandate of UNIFL in resolution 1701. Under the terms of the expanded mandate, UNIFIL created a buffer zone between the Litani River in southern Lebanon and the “Blue Line”, the UN demarcated border between Israel and Lebanon. Inside the buffer zone, only UNIFIL and Lebanese Army personnel would be permitted to carry weapons. However, it is widely understood that UNIFIL largely avoids areas in the buffer zone where Hezbollah is known to operate. Despite its difficulties, the United Nations and the Security Council have maintained their support for UNIFIL and its continued mission. Following a report by the Secretary-General, UNIFIL was unanimously reauthorized by the Security Council on 28 August 2024 in resolution 2749.
On 11 and 12 October, UNIFIL reported that four peacekeepers had been wounded when Israeli tanks shot at UNIFIL observation posts. The Israeli attacks were widely condemned, with Secretary-General António Guterres condemning the attack as a violation of international law. On 13 October, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded UNIFIL withdraw from its positions along the Blue Line, claiming UNIFIL serves as human shields for Hezbollah. Additionally, on 13 October, 15 UNIFIL soldiers were injured by smoke when two Israeli tanks entered a UNIFIL base. In a statement from the Secretary-General in response, he noted UNIFIL’s role and presence in Lebanon is mandated by the Security Council and is “committed to preserving its capacity to support a diplomatic solution based on resolution 1701”.
Since the start of the current conflict in October 2023, the Security Council has come under significant international criticism for its perceived inaction in the Middle East, with Secretary-General Guterres warning the Security Council has “perhaps fatally” undermined its authority. In a recent meeting of the Security Council, the Secretary-General noted the exchange of fire between Israeli and Hezbollah forces has “expanded in scope, depth, and intensity”. In the meetings multiple members of the Council have urged deescalation and a ceasefire. However, to date no formal action has been taken by the Security Council since the escalation in hostilities.
Bibliography
As Hezbollah and Israel battle on the border, Lebanon’s army watches from the sidelines (11 October 2024). Associated Press via ABC News.
Bertrand, Natasha, and others (12 October 2024). Iran engages in urgent diplomacy as it braces for Israel’s response to missile attacks. CNN.
Burke, Jason (19 October 2023). What is Hezbollah, and how will it influence the Israel-Hamas war? The Guardian.
Chehayeb, Kareem (24 June 2024). What is Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed group that could go to all-out war against Israel?. AP News.
Coi, Giovanna (13 October 2024). 40 countries ‘strongly condemn’ Israeli attacks on UN peacekeepers. Politico.
Gebeily, Maya, and Alexander Cornwell (10 October 2024). Senior Hezbollah official survives Israeli assassination attempt, sources say. Reuters.
Gritten, David (23 September 2024). Israeli air strikes kill 492 people in Lebanon. BBC News.
Gritten, David, and others (3 October 2024). What we know about Iran’s missile attack on Israel. BBC News.
Guterres, Antonio (13 October 2024). Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
Guterres, Antonio (1 October 2024). Statement by the Secretary-General on latest attacks in the Middle East.
Hezbollah fires missile at Tel Aviv after heavy Israeli strikes on Lebanon (25 September 2024). AP News via NPR.
Hubbard, Ben, and others (9 October 2024). Over 900,000 in Lebanon Displaced, U.N. Says, as Israel Attacks Hezbollah. New York Times.
Israel’s airstrike warnings terrify Lebanese civilians and draw criticism from rights groups (11 October 2024). AP News via PBS News.
Israel Invades Lebanon: Precursors, Prospects and Pitfalls (8 October 2024). International Crisis Group.
Lai, Johnson, and Bassem Mroue (19 September 2024). Lebanon is rocked again by exploding devices as Israel declares a new phase of war. AP News.
Lukiv, Jaroslav (17 September 2024). Israel sets new war goal of returning residents to the north. BBC News.
Mackenzie, James, and Maya Gebeily (8 October 2024). Israel says it has killed slain Hezbollah leader’s successors. Reuters.
Mroue, Bassem, and Melanie Lidman (28 September 2024). Hezbollah confirms its leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike. AP News.
Netanyahu tells UN to move Lebanon peacekeepers out of ‘harm’s way’ (13 October 2024). AFP via France24.
Neuman, Scott (11 October 2024). What is the U.N. peacekeeping force stationed in Lebanon?. NPR News.
Ni Chulain, Aisling (2 October 2024). The Iron Dome: How does Israel’s missile defence system work? EuroNews.
Shamim, Sarah (11 October 2024). Israel attacks UN peacekeepers in Lebanon: Why it’s such a big deal. Al Jazeera.
Suter, Tara (22 September 2024). Hezbollah has fired more than 8,000 rockets toward Israel since Oct. 7: Ambassador. The Hill.
Tetrault-Farber, Gabrielle (26 February 2024). Security Council ‘perhaps fatally’ undermined by Gaza, Ukraine deadlock, says UN chief. Reuters.
Travers, Eileen (1 October 2024). Explainer: What is Security Council resolution 1701?. UN News.
UNIFIL statement (13 October 2024). United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
United Nations (11 October 2024). UN chief condemns attacks against peacekeepers in Lebanon.
United Nations (2 October 2024). ‘Deadly Cycle of Tit-for-Tat Violence Must Stop,’ Demands Secretary-General, as Security Council Takes Up Situation in Middle East.
United Nations (25 September 2024). ‘Hell is breaking loose in Lebanon,’ Guterres warns Security Council.
United Nations. UNIFIL Background. Accessed 13 October 2024.
United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (2024). UNIFIL Maps.
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (10 October 2024). Lebanon: Flash Update #34 – Escalation of hostilities in Lebanon, as of 10 October 2024.
What we know about Hezbollah’s weapons arsenal (29 July 2024). AFP via France24.
United Nations Documents
United Nations, Security Council (2024). The situation in the Middle East. S/PV/9712.
United Nations, Security Council (2024). The situation in the Middle East. S/RES/2749.
United Nations, Security council (2006). The situation in the Middle East. S/RES/1701.