The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, reacted to Iran’s attacks on Israel this weekend.
Guterres released a statement and uploaded a video to the UN X account, asking all sides to exercise patience and warning that the region and the globe could not afford another conflict.
Iran deployed hundreds of drones and missiles from its territory into Israel, the majority of which were intercepted on Saturday.
Speaking on the new bloodshed in the Middle East, the UN head stated that the fight between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has already wrought misery on people, warning all engaged not to increase regional tensions.
“It’s time to step back from the brink. it’s vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military commutations on multiple fronts in the Middle East. Civilians are already bearing the brunt and paying the highest price.
“And we have a shared responsibility to actively engage all parties concerned to prevent from further escalations.
“As the Friendly Relations Declaration of 1970 states, acts of reprisal involving the use of force are barred under international law. We have a shared responsibility to secure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.
“We have a shared responsibility to stop violence in the occupied West Bank, de-escalate the situation along the Blue Line, and re-establish safe navigation in the Red Sea.
“We have a shared responsibility to work for peace – regional and indeed global peace and security are being undermined by the hour. Neither the region nor the world can afford more war,” Guterres stated.
cc: Vanguard Ng
