speaking outside the united nations security council Mr Guterres told reporters in New York on Wednesday that the conflict had escalated far beyond what leaders expected.
“The world is facing a massive war, a rising tide of human suffering and a deep global economic shock,” he said bluntly, “This has gone too far.”
Messengers will work ‘directly on the ground’
The Secretary-General confirmed that he has appointed experienced diplomat Jean Arnault as his Personal envoy to lead UN efforts to end the conflict That has shaken the entire region and sent shock waves around the world – particularly affecting energy markets dependent on the critical chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz.
The messenger will do the job”More directly on the ground… supporting all mediation efforts, all peace efforts”, engaging with all parties and assessing the far-reaching impacts of the conflict.
Mr Guterres sent strong messages to key actors. He urged the United States and Israel that “now is the time to end the war”, while calling on Iran to “stop attacking its neighbors who are not parties to the conflict”.
He also stressed that freedom of navigation, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, must be respected, warning that its prolonged disruption was disrupting vital supplies of oil, gas and fertilizer.
human damage will be worse
Highlighting the humanitarian loss, he said civilians across the region “Suffering severe loss and living in deep insecurity“. Referring to Lebanon, he stressed that “the war must stop”, called on Hezbollah to stop attacks into Israel and to stop attacks on Israel that are “hitting civilians the most”.
The Secretary General also warned of its wider global consequences Markets are “in turmoil” and humanitarian operations are disrupted.
The economic shock is hitting the most vulnerable the hardest, he said, especially in developing countries that are already struggling with debt and rising costs.
Aid is distributed to displaced families in northern Lebanon.
I will feel hungry tomorrow
He described disruption in fertilizer supplies as a threat to global food security. “Without fertilizers today, we could face starvation tomorrow,” he warned, adding that rising energy prices risk fueling inflation and deepening poverty around the world.
Despite rising tensions and a continued military buildup, Mr Guterres insisted there was still a way forward. “Diplomacy must continue,” he said. “War is not the answer… We need a way out of this disaster.”
“Diplomacy is the way. Full respect for international law is the way. Peace is the way.”
