JAKARTA - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the ongoing military escalation across the Middle East and the Gulf region risks spreading "out of control."
"All illegal attacks in the Middle East and beyond cause tremendous suffering and losses for civilians across the region - and pose a serious risk to the global economy, especially for the most vulnerable," Guterres said, quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu, Saturday, March 7.
He called on all parties to stop fighting and return to the negotiating table seriously given the situation is at risk of escalating uncontrollably.
"The stakes are very high," he continued.
Meanwhile, Guterres' spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, told a news conference that the UN Secretary-General would continue to communicate with the parties concerned "to encourage a return to serious negotiations."
When asked how far the situation could deteriorate, Dujarric said: "It's not hard to imagine seeing how this situation could get even worse, including threats to the unity of certain member states, the continued suffering of civilians, or also the deteriorating situation around the Strait of Hormuz."
Referring to the possible impact of attacks on energy supplies, he said the impact would be felt globally and noted: "We have already seen a spike in oil prices and the impact given our continued dependence on fossil fuels."
Dujarric further reported, quoting the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), that there was "an extensive evacuation order" in Lebanon, which led to "increased pressure" on civilians.
"The continued aerial bombardment across the country killed and injured dozens of people," he said, adding that across the country, more than 100,000 people are now sheltering in collective displacement centers."
Dujarric also reported that hospitals in South Beirut were forced to suspend operations and evacuate patients on March 5 and remained out of operation until today.
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