UNSG warns Beirut, Tehran attacks ‘represent a dangerous escalation’ in the Middle East

Anjali Sharma

GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 1st August. UN head António Guterres on Wednesday has urged the international community to prevent escalation in the Middle East, after an Israeli strike on Beirut and the reported killing of a top Hamas leader in Iran, in a statement issued by UN spokesman’s office in New York.

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement issued on Wednesday said “The Secretary-General believes that the attacks we have seen in South Beirut and Teheran represent a dangerous escalation at a moment in which all efforts should instead be leading to a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all Israeli hostages, a massive increase of humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza and a return to calm in Lebanon and across the Blue Line”.

“Rather than that, what we are seeing are efforts to undermine these goals,” he added.

According to media reports, Israeli launched an airstrike on the densely populated southern suburb of Beirut which reportedly targeted a senior Hezbollah commander, Fuad Shukr, who was killed.

This followed a rocket attack on a football field in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Saturday, which killed 12 civilians, mainly children and teenagers.

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran on Wednesday morning allegedly in an Israeli airstrike.

Mr. Dujarric said the Secretary-General has consistently called for maximum restraint by all.

He added “it is increasingly clear, however, that restraint alone is insufficient at this extremely sensitive time.”

Mr. Guterres urged all to vigorously work towards regional de- escalation in the interest of long-term peace and stability for all, he said.

“The international community must work together to urgently prevent any actions that could push the entire Middle East over the edge, with a devastating impact on civilians. The way to do so is by advancing comprehensive diplomatic action for regional de-escalation,” the statement concluded.

UN envoy in the Middle East Tor Wennesland expressed profound concern over the recent developments which he said “may have far-reaching implications for the region”.

Tor Wennesland in a series of posts on the social media platform X called for restraint and avoiding actions that could further destabilize the region.

He said that he is contact with all relevant parties to work towards defusing tensions, and the goal is clear regional de-escalation, to achieve a ceasefire and the release of all hostages in Gaza, and working towards a lasting piece.

UN Security Council is meeting to debate the ongoing crisis in the region on Wednesday afternoon

Spokesman Mr. Dujarric told reporters in New York that the Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, reiterated that there is no military solution to the crisis, and urged both Israel and Lebanon to avail of all diplomatic avenues to pursue a return to the cessation of hostilities.

She urged them recommit to the implementation of resolution 1701, Dujarric added.

Head of the Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix arrived in Lebanon this week, as part of his visit to the Middle East region.

He has held meetings with senior Government and military leaders in Beirut, including with the Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and the Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

They focused on the current situation in south Lebanon and across the Blue Line, and the crucial work that the UN Interim Force there is doing.

Sigrid Kaag, the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, met in Qatar with Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi to discuss the urgent need for preparations for a ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access and the release of all hostages.

She expressed her gratitude to Qatar for its mediation efforts and support of the UN’s efforts in Gaza, and relayed the Secretary-General’s deep concerns about regional escalation.

Ms. Kaag also met with senior Egyptian officials to discuss efforts to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Mr. Dujarric informed reporters in New York.