U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is urging for urgent de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East following Iran’s weekend attack on Israel. The call for peace comes after a series of events that have heightened tensions in the region.
Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel over the weekend, pushing the Middle East closer to a regionwide war. This attack came less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria killed two Iranian generals in an Iranian consular building.
The situation in the region has been escalating since the start of the latest Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7, resulting in significant casualties and devastation. World leaders have been calling for restraint and de-escalation to prevent further violence and loss of life.
In response to the attacks, U.N. Secretary-General Guterres spoke with Iran’s foreign minister and emphasized the need for peace in the Middle East. He condemned the attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
As tensions continue to rise, various countries and leaders are taking steps to address the situation. Italy’s defense minister called on Israel to avoid fueling further violence, while Spain’s prime minister advocated for the recognition of an independent Palestinian state.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation and working towards a peaceful resolution to prevent further escalation and loss of life in the region.