UN Chief Warns Middle East on Brink of ‘Full-Scale Regional Conflict’
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning about the escalating tensions in the Middle East, stating that the situation in the region could potentially lead to a “full-scale regional conflict.” Guterres specifically highlighted the war in Gaza and Iran’s attack on Israel as major factors contributing to the precarious state of affairs.
Guterres expressed deep concern over Israel’s military offensive on Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, which was carried out in retaliation for their unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7th. He described the situation in Gaza as a “humanitarian hellscape,” with civilians trapped and suffering the consequences of the conflict.
The Secretary-General addressed the Security Council, emphasizing the dangerous escalation in both rhetoric and actions. He stressed that even a single miscalculation, miscommunication, or mistake could have catastrophic consequences, leading to a devastating regional conflict. Guterres called on all parties involved to exercise “maximum restraint” and urged for immediate de-escalation.
Iran’s recent barrage of missiles and drones targeting Israel further exacerbated tensions in the region. The attack was reportedly in response to an incident at Iran’s consulate in Damascus, which was widely blamed on Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted his country’s right to self-defense.
Guterres condemned both the attack on the consulate and the use of drones, emphasizing that the latter constituted a serious escalation. He called for an end to the cycle of retaliation and stressed the urgent need for international cooperation to prevent the Middle East from descending into chaos, which would have devastating consequences for civilians.
‘Humanitarian Hellscape’
Guterres emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation, starting with an immediate end to the fighting in Gaza. The health ministry in the Hamas-run territory reported that at least 33,970 people have been killed in the conflict. The Secretary-General reiterated his calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and the release of all hostages held in Gaza.
Guterres lamented the dire situation in Gaza, describing it as a “humanitarian hellscape.” While acknowledging some limited progress in allowing aid into the territory, he stressed that more needs to be done. The aid operations in Gaza are currently struggling to function effectively and require Israel’s full cooperation to deliver aid in an organized and systematic manner.
As the Security Council prepared to vote on a Palestinian bid for full UN membership, Guterres delivered his speech, acknowledging the challenging prospects for its success due to opposition from the United States, which holds veto power. He also called on Israel to put an end to settler violence in the occupied West Bank, particularly in light of the recent killing of a 14-year-old Israeli boy that sparked retaliatory attacks in Palestinian villages.
Guterres urged Israel, as the occupying power, to protect the Palestinian population in the West Bank against attacks, violence, and intimidation. His overall message emphasized the need for immediate action to de-escalate tensions, prevent further violence, and prioritize the well-being of civilians caught in the midst of the conflict.
