UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday painted a dark picture of the situation in the Middle East, warning that spiraling tensions over the war in Gaza and Iran’s attack on Israel could result into a “full-scale regional conflict.”
Addressing a high-level UN Security Council meeting attended by several foreign ministers, including those from Jordan and Iran, Guterres highlighted the escalating tensions in the Middle East. He painted a grim picture of the situation, emphasizing the dire consequences of spiraling tensions fueled by the war in Gaza and Iran’s recent attack on Israel.
Guterres expressed deep concern over the dangerous escalation in both rhetoric and actions. He stressed that any miscalculation or mistake could plunge the region into a devastating conflict with catastrophic consequences for all parties involved.
The recent barrage of missiles and drones unleashed by Iran on Israel, in response to an attack on its consulate in Damascus, has further exacerbated the volatile situation. While Israeli officials have vowed a response, Guterres condemned the cycle of retaliation and called for immediate de-escalation.
Guterres particularly emphasized the urgent need to halt the fighting in Gaza, where Israeli military operations have created a “humanitarian hellscape.” He reiterated his calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the release of all hostages held in Gaza, stressing the necessity of facilitating aid operations to alleviate the suffering of civilians.
Despite the looming vote on a Palestinian bid for full UN membership, which faces opposition from the United States, Guterres urged all parties to prioritize peace and stability in the region. He called on Israel to protect the Palestinian population in the occupied West Bank against attacks and violence. He stressed the responsibility of the occupying power to ensure the safety and security of Palestinian civilians.
Guterres emphasized the critical importance of concerted international efforts to prevent further deterioration and mitigate the risks of a full-scale regional conflict.
