Mumtaz Hussain
UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned the UN Security Council that the Middle East is “being pulled deeper into crisis,” cautioning that escalating violence across the region could trigger a wider and potentially uncontrollable conflict.
Addressing the United Nations Security Council, Guterres highlighted worsening tensions in Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank, Yemen, and parts of the Gulf region, stating that civilians are paying a “brutal price” through displacement, destruction, and rising insecurity.
On Lebanon, he cited intensified cross-border hostilities, civilian casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and the displacement of more than one million people. He also noted the killing of UN peacekeepers and urged full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 to restore stability and achieve a comprehensive ceasefire.
Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Secretary-General reiterated support for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, calling for an end to the occupation and urgent humanitarian relief in Gaza, where civilians continue to face severe shortages of food, water, and medical aid.
He also warned of rising violence and settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, describing the situation as a serious threat to long-term peace efforts.
Turning to the Gulf region, Guterres cautioned that escalating tensions and restrictions on maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, are disrupting global trade, increasing energy prices, and worsening food insecurity worldwide.
In this context, he welcomed diplomatic efforts by several countries and expressed special appreciation to Pakistan for its “active mediation” in efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
He also praised contributions from Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye in supporting dialogue and de-escalation efforts.
The Secretary-General further addressed developments in Syria and Yemen, urging continued international support for reconstruction in Syria and calling for the immediate release of detained UN personnel in Yemen while stressing the need to protect navigation routes in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Guterres concluded by urging all parties across the region to pursue ceasefires, respect international law, and engage in serious negotiations to prevent further escalation and humanitarian suffering.
