UN CHIEF CALLS FOR END TO MIDDLE EAST FIGHTING AMID GLOBAL INSTABILITY

Antonio Guterres, UN secretary-general, has stated that fighting must cease across all fronts in the Middle East, citing mounting risks to global stability. According to Guterres, trade through the Strait of Hormuz has collapsed and energy markets have been disrupted. He added that prices of food and key fertilisers have risen sharply, whilst supply chains face strain. The World Food Programme, according to Guterres, has warned that as many as 45 million people could face acute food insecurity as a result of the ongoing conflict.

Guterres described an announced agreement for Hamas to relinquish weapons and for Israel to withdraw forces from Gaza as "good news." He stated that a roadmap exists to implement these objectives and must be followed "without any questions, scepticism, or determination to undermine it." Rising prices and slowing economic growth threaten to push millions more into poverty, he noted. UN agencies reported on Friday that civilian death tolls are climbing in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank, with violence continuing across the region.

Guterres emphasised that the current moment requires both sides to implement what was agreed. He called for immediate action to halt the escalating conflict. The UN's assessment reflects concerns that regional instability is generating cascading effects on global food security, energy supplies and economic growth. No timeline was provided for implementation of the proposed agreement.