UPDATE - UN chief calls to 'end bloody cycle of retaliation' in Middle East

CHANGES HEADLINE, UPDATES WITH MORE QUOTES FROM GUTERRES

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - The UN chief on Thursday made a stark warning, urging to halt the dangerous escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

"The Middle East is on a precipice," Antonio Guterres told a UN Security Council session on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

Highlighting the imperative to break the cycle of violence, Guterres urged for immediate action, stressing: "It is high time to end the bloody cycle of retaliation. It is time to stop."

He called upon the international community to unite in preventing any actions that could further destabilize the region, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences for civilians.

Reiterating call for maximum restraint, Guterres condemned both the attack on Iran's diplomatic facilities in Damascus and Iran's attacks on Israel. He emphasized the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to be prioritized, with a focus on Gaza as a starting point.

While Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip continues since last October, when Hamas launched a cross-border incursion; tensions have also risen between Iran and Israel over the former's rocket and missile attack in response to an April 1 strike on its diplomatic mission in Damascus.

He urged for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.

Pointing out the dire situation in the region, particularly the suffering of civilians, Guterres mentioned the significant number of children killed in the attacks, citing UNICEF's report of over 13,900 children killed in Gaza.

Expressing deep concern for safety of humanitarian workers, Guterres emphasized the need for their security, revealing a troubling statistic: "Nearly 250 aid workers, including more than 180 of our own staff, have been killed in Gaza" since Oct. 7, 2023.

He reiterated his demand for thorough investigations into "these tragic deaths."

"Just last week, a UNICEF vehicle travelling with a convoy was caught in crossfire," said the secretary-general.

As tensions continue to rise in the region, Guterres noted the "shared responsibility to address those risks and pull the region back from the precipice."

Guterres also emphasized the importance of reducing tensions in the West Bank, highlighting the significant number of Palestinians killed there since October 2023.

Criticizing Israel's continued expansion of illegal settlements, Guterres urged Tel Aviv "to take immediate steps to end the unprecedented levels of settler violence, and to hold accountable those who have perpetrated such attacks."

"I call on Israel, as the occupying power, to protect the Palestinian population of the occupied West Bank against attacks, violence and intimidation," he added.

He underscored the need to address the situation between Israel and Lebanon, particularly in the Blue Line and the Red Sea, stating that the UN is ready to provide any necessary support to de-escalate tensions.

Guterres ended his remarks by reiterating the urgent need for progress towards a two-state solution, emphasizing its significance in stabilizing the region and improving the lives of millions of people.

He called on all countries to use their influence to build regional peace, saying: "We have a shared moral obligation to advance a comprehensive Middle East de-escalation effort, in order to reduce risks, increase stability, and pave the way towards peace and prosperity for the countries and people of the region and beyond."