United Nations, 4 August 2024 (TDI): The top UN envoy in the Middle East has called for urgent action to address the “growing risk” of escalation in the region following recent attacks in Lebanon, Iran, and the Syrian Golan Heights linked to the Israeli war in Gaza.
Tor Wennesland, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, issued a statement on Friday, saying he has engaged in important discussions with the relevant parties and member nations in the region, including Qatar, Egypt and Lebanon in support of regional de-escalation.
Wennesland said that he underlined the urgency of addressing the growing risk of a serious escalation, which poses a substantial threat to regional stability. He said that they examined the ongoing efforts to mediate and de-escalate the situation and explored ways to prevent a spillover of the conflict.
The envoy reaffirmed the need of urgent, coordinated action to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
He emphasized that it was crucial to act collectively and decisively to address the immediate threats and lay the groundwork for a lasting peace.
On Thursday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his appeal for de-escalation in the Middle East in a phone call with Iranian acting Foreign Minister, Ali Bagheri, after Iran pledged revenge to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in a bombing of a guest house in Tehran that reportedly involved Israel.
During the conversation, the Secretary-General expressed his deep concern regarding the current situation in the region.
Guterres reiterated his public message urging all parties to work towards de-escalation.
He warned that an Israeli strike in Beirut that killed a senior Hezbollah commander, as well as the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in an attack in Iran’s capital, Tehran, represent a dangerous escalation in the region.
