United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his deep concern about the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.

“With the escalation of hostilities between Israel, Hamas and other groups in Gaza, the Secretary-General remains deeply concerned about the expansion of this conflict, which could have serious consequences for the entire region,” said Stephane Dujarric, Guterres’ spokesman.

The UN Secretary-General stressed the continued risk of a broader regional conflagration, warning that the longer the conflict in Gaza continues, the greater the risk of escalation and miscalculation by multiple actors.

He described the escalation of violence in the occupied West Bank, including intensified operations by Israeli security forces, large numbers of deaths, settler violence, and attacks on Israelis by Palestinians, as “deeply disturbing.”

Guterres warned that "the daily exchange of fire across the Blue Line threatens to cause a broader escalation between Israel and Lebanon and affects regional stability."

Furthermore, the Secretary-General expressed growing concern about the spillover effects of ongoing attacks by armed groups in Iraq and Syria, as well as Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea, which have escalated in recent days.

In the face of these disturbing developments, Guterres urged all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint and take urgent steps to calm tensions in the region.

He also called on all members of the international community to use their influence to prevent further escalation of the situation.

"The Secretary-General reiterates his call for an immediate ceasefire on humanitarian grounds in Gaza and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages," Dujarric said.