UN Chief Guterres Warns Middle East Spiraling Out of Control, Calls for De-escalation

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned on July 23 that the situation in the Middle East is "spiraling out of control" and urged the international community to "step back" from the brink. Source: infobae via EFE

The warning

Speaking before the UN Security Council, Guterres said "the situation is spiraling out of control. It is on the brink of the unimaginable. It is time to step back." He emphasized that there is no military solution to the conflict and called for diplomacy. Source: infobae

Escalation triggers

The statement came shortly after Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. This threatens to open a new front at the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a key alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz after Iran's blockade. Source: diariolibree

Gaza crisis

Guterres also addressed Gaza, where despite an alleged ceasefire, civilians continue to suffer and Israel is increasing its control. He cited analysis predicting that 70% of Gaza's population will face high levels of food insecurity. Source: diariolibree

Guterres, who has months left in his term, called the Security Council "the hope of humanity" and urged its members to overcome geopolitical divisions and take action.