New York, June 10 (Petra) — United Nations Secretary-General António
Guterres warned on Wednesday that the Middle East is sliding deeper
and deeper into crisis, expressing profound concern over the
potential outbreak of a large-scale conflict or a full resumption of
hostilities.

Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting titled “Advancing Political
Solutions in the Middle East: Mediation and Dialogue for a Lasting
Peace,” Guterres emphasized that the repercussions of this
instability extend far beyond the region’s borders. He noted that the
crisis impacts the entire world through heightened political
tensions, displacement, widespread insecurity, disrupted trade
routes, and surging food and fuel prices.

Regarding Palestine, Guterres stated that the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict remains the crisis at the root of broader regional
instability. He reaffirmed that the only credible path forward lies
in ending the occupation and achieving a two-state solution, where
Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace and security within
secure and recognized borders. Delays and denials, Guterres warned,
only perpetuate injustice, pointing out that the situation in the
occupied Palestinian territory is deteriorating rapidly.

Addressing the situation in Gaza, the UN Chief noted that despite the
ceasefire declared eight months ago, Gaza continues to face deep
uncertainty and immense humanitarian suffering, with civilian
casualties occurring daily, humanitarian operations restricted, and
basic needs left unmet. He called for the full implementation of the
comprehensive plan facilitated by the United States, Qatar, Egypt,
and Turkiye,
stressing that the delivery of humanitarian aid must never be used as
a bargaining chip and that Gaza is and will remain an integral part
of the Palestinian state.

Turning to Lebanon, Guterres highlighted the tragic events and
dangerous escalation witnessed since March, calling for a
comprehensive ceasefire respected by all parties, alongside a
diplomatic settlement that respects Lebanon’s sovereignty and
territorial integrity.

//Petra// AF