United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres issued a stark warning to the international community on Sunday, urging against further escalation in the conflict between Iran and Israel. Speaking at a Security Council meeting following Iran’s weekend attack on Israel, Guterres emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation.
“The Middle East is on the brink,” Guterres declared, highlighting the imminent danger of a full-scale conflict in the region. He stressed that both the Middle East and the world at large cannot afford more war, calling for maximum restraint from all parties involved.
The recent escalation began when Iran launched a direct attack on Israel, firing over 300 missiles and drones. While most of the projectiles were intercepted, the attack resulted in 12 injuries according to the Israeli army. Iran claimed the attack was in retaliation for an earlier air strike on its consulate building in Damascus, which killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards.
The escalating tensions have raised fears of a broader conflict, with concerns about potential Israeli counterstrikes. The United States has made it clear that it will not join any Israeli retaliation, urging caution and warning against further escalation.
As the situation continues to unfold, Guterres reiterated the need for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, which is facing a dire humanitarian crisis. With the region teetering on the edge of a devastating conflict, the international community is being called upon to step back from the brink and work towards peaceful resolution.