UN chief warns Middle East escalation could spiral out of control

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday (6 March) warned about the ongoing military escalation across the Middle East and the Gulf region that risks spreading out of control. ‘All illegal attacks in the Middle East and the surrounding areas inflict unprecedented suffering and damage on civilians across the region – and pose serious risks to the global economy, particularly for the most vulnerable,’ Guterres said in a statement. He urged all parties to halt the fighting and return to the negotiating table with urgency given that the situation could deteriorate beyond control. ‘The stakes are extremely high,’ he added.

Meanwhile, Guterres’ spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said in a briefing that the Secretary-General would continue to engage with relevant parties ‘to push a return to serious negotiations.’

When asked how far the situation could deteriorate, Dujarric said: ‘It is not hard to imagine how this could get worse, including threats to the unity of certain member states, ongoing civilian suffering, or a worsening situation around the Strait of Hormuz.’

Referring to possible impacts on energy supplies, he said the effects would be felt globally and noted: ‘We have already seen oil prices surge, given our continued reliance on fossil fuels.’

Dujarric further cited the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reporting a ‘widening displacement’ in Lebanon, putting increasing pressure on civilians.

‘The ongoing airstrikes across the country are killing and injuring dozens,’ he said, adding that nationwide more than 100,000 people are now sheltering in collective shelters.

Dujarric also reported that hospitals in southern Beirut were forced to suspend operations and evacuate patients on 5 March and have remained non-operational to date.

Source: Anadolu