UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday expressed deep concern over renewed violence in the Middle East, calling for all attacks to stop immediately and urging full respect for ceasefires in Gaza, Lebanon and between Israel and Iran.
In a statement posted on X, Guterres said he was “deeply alarmed” by the latest escalation and appealed for restraint across the region.
“All attacks must stop immediately. The ceasefires in Lebanon, Iran & Gaza must be fully respected,” he wrote.
I'm deeply alarmed by the renewed escalation in the Middle East.
All attacks must stop immediately.
The ceasefires in Lebanon, Iran & Gaza must be fully respected.
Any steps that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts must be avoided.
I'm also deeply concerned by Israel's…
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) June 9, 2026
His remarks came after a fresh exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran raised fears of a wider regional conflict and threatened ongoing Pakistan-led diplomatic efforts to permanently end the conflict.
On Monday, Israel struck targets in Iran for the first time since a ceasefire took effect in April, after Iran launched missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli strikes on the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
Both countries later announced a halt to the exchange of fire after US President Donald Trump called on them to cease hostilities.
Guterres also voiced concern over Israel’s decision to close crossings into Gaza, warning that restrictions on humanitarian access could worsen conditions in the Palestinian territory.
“I’m also deeply concerned by Israel’s decision to close crossings into Gaza and reiterate my call for the immediate reopening of all crossings to ensure the rapid, safe and unhindered passage of humanitarian assistance at scale throughout Gaza,” the UN chief said.
A US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been in force since October 2025 and includes provisions for increased humanitarian aid deliveries.
Despite the truce, both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violations. Palestinian health officials say more than 950 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire began, while Israel says four of its soldiers have been killed during the same period.
China also urged all parties to avoid further escalation and return to dialogue.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said military action could not resolve disputes and warned against reigniting conflict at a sensitive stage of Iran-US negotiations.
The three-month-long U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict has hit countries in the Gulf and the wider Middle East region hard. Facts have proven that military means provide no solution, and arbitrary use of force will only complicate the issue.
At this critical juncture of Iran-U.S.… pic.twitter.com/UV210yrrc8
— Lin Jian 林剑 (@SpoxCHN_LinJian) June 9, 2026
“The three-month-long US-Israel-Iran conflict has hit countries in the Gulf and the wider Middle East region hard,” Lin said in a statement.
“At this critical juncture of Iran-US negotiations, no one should reignite military conflict. Regional countries’ sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should be respected and upheld.”
