The United Nations calls for an immediate end to hostilities in the Middle East, warning that the current situation could escalate into a "full-scale war" at any time, Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said during a press conference at the UN headquarters on Wednesday.
Haq told the press that the UN urges all parties involved in the Middle East tensions to achieve an immediate ceasefire, strictly abide by international law, effectively guarantee the security of civilians and peacekeepers, and make every effort to prevent the situation from spiraling completely out of control.
"Speaking of the Council, the Secretary General warned the Security Council this morning that the Middle East is being pulled deeper into crisis and the consequences reach far beyond the region. This week has brought wider attacks and further deterioration, he said," said Haq.
The spokesman also reiterated the UN chief's concerns regarding Lebanon, with Guterres warning that "since March, we have witnessed a serious escalation, as Israel intensified its operations in Lebanese territory and Hezbollah fired deeper into Israel".
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) "detected 80 violations of Lebanese airspace by the Israel Defense Forces" on Tuesday, Haq said, adding that UN peacekeepers are now facing major security risks.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the UN will soon dispatch a team to Lebanon to conduct an "impartial and independent assessment mission" on alleged violations and abuses of international humanitarian law and related law which had been "committed by the parties to the armed conflict" in Lebanon since March 2, the spokesman said.
Haq also highlighted the ongoing dire humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. As conflicts continue in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, local security conditions have severely restricted relief operations, he said.
The UN spokesman also made a strong appeal for all parties involved to fully and without delay implement of the Comprehensive Plan facilitated by multiple countries, reiterating the call for "the protection of civilians, including healthcare workers and full respect for international law."
UN calls for immediate ceasefire in Middle East: spokesman
UN calls for immediate ceasefire in Middle East: spokesman
