UN envoy urges action to address ‘growing risk of a serious escalation’ in Middle East

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, Tor Wennesland, on Friday urged for de-escalation of tension in the Middle East.

"In recent days, I have engaged in critical discussions with the relevant parties and member states in the region, including Lebanon, Egypt and Qatar, in support of regional de-escalation.

"I underscored the urgency of addressing the growing risk of a serious escalation, which poses a substantial threat to regional stability," Wennesland said in a statement.

He said that discussions examined ongoing efforts to mediate and de-escalate the situation and explored ways to prevent a spillover of the conflict.

"I reaffirmed the necessity of urgent, coordinated action to prevent further deterioration of the situation. It is crucial that we act decisively and collectively to address the immediate threats and lay the groundwork for a lasting peace," he added.

Nine months have passed since Israel continues brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7 attack by Palestinian group Hamas, killing nearly 39,500 Palestinians.

The conflict has sparked increased regional tensions across the Middle East, with the latest escalation earlier this week when Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated during his visit to Iran.

While Hezbollah group in Lebanon has engaged in cross-border skirmishes with Israel, Yemen’s Houthi group has been targeting Israeli-linked cargo ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in solidarity with Gaza.

Despite international organization, including the UN, and regional countries urge for a cease-fire in Gaza, and de-escalate tension in the Middle East, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to "exact a heavy price" for any attack on Israel.