In a high-level Security Council meeting on Thursday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a sobering assessment of the situation in the Middle East, cautioning that escalating tensions surrounding the conflict in Gaza and Iran’s recent assault on Israel could rapidly escalate into a “full-scale regional conflict.”
Guterres, joined by several foreign ministers including representatives from Jordan and Iran, emphasized the precarious state of affairs in the region. He highlighted the potential catastrophic consequences of any misstep, warning that even a single miscalculation or mistake could trigger an unimaginable conflict affecting all parties involved.
The recent escalation began with Iran’s barrage of missiles and drones targeting Israel following an attack on its consulate in Damascus, an incident widely attributed to Israel. While Israeli officials have not disclosed specifics regarding their response, the country’s military leadership has vowed retaliation.
Expressing condemnation for both the consulate attack and the subsequent drone assaults, Guterres labeled the latter as a “serious escalation,” emphasizing the urgent need to break the cycle of violence.
The Secretary-General stressed the imperative for international collaboration to prevent further escalation, emphasizing the spiraling risks across multiple fronts in the region.
For Guterres, the path to de-escalation starts with halting hostilities in the Gaza Strip, where a staggering number of casualties have been reported. He reiterated calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the release of all hostages held in Gaza.
Highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, Guterres lamented the challenges faced by aid operations due to ongoing military activities. While acknowledging some progress in facilitating aid by Israel, he underscored the necessity for enhanced cooperation to ensure effective humanitarian assistance.
Additionally, Guterres called on Israel to curb settler violence in the occupied West Bank, urging protection for the Palestinian population against attacks and intimidation.
As tensions continue to mount in the Middle East, Guterres’ urgent plea for restraint and collective action underscores the pressing need for diplomatic solutions to avert a potentially devastating regional conflict.
