UN special adviser urges immediate action for Middle East peace, humanitarian aid

​​​​​​​By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - The UN special adviser on the prevention of genocide on Tuesday urged all parties involved in the Middle East conflict to prioritize peace and the protection of civilians amid ongoing hostilities.

"While the drums of war keep beating, opportunities for peace must be explored and maximized to the highest possible extent," Alice Wairimu Nderitu said in a statement.

Emphasizing the need for immediate humanitarian aid and the release of hostages held in Gaza, Nderitu highlighted the tragic toll of the conflict, remarking that "thousands of innocent civilians have been killed in a conflict for which they bear no responsibility."

"The risk of regional escalation is no longer a fear but a factual reality. This must stop," she stressed.

Nderitu stated that high-level and community-based dialogue are essential to prevent further escalation.

"The existence of high-level political dialogue may sometimes obscure the fact that most armed conflict happens mainly within local communities," she explained.

She underscored that effective leadership is shown by those who bring wars to an end, urging accelerated dialogue to prevent further suffering.

Nderitu further called on all sides to "recognize the essential humanity of the other" and build a shared future.

"Those waging war must understand that the only path to victory is the path to peace," she said.