Guterres urges ceasefire and diplomacy as humanitarian crisis deepens amid rising violence and economic shocks.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the Middle East is nearing a breaking point, citing shipping attacks, soaring oil prices, and a worsening humanitarian crisis. Speaking in Türkiye while accepting the Atatürk International Award for Peace, Guterres called on all combatants to halt hostilities, protect civilians, and return immediately to negotiations.
“Around the world, we hear much talk of peace, but see far too little of it,” he said, warning that power politics, military escalation, and rising inequalities are fueling global instability. He highlighted the human cost, noting that civilians are bearing the brunt of violence from U.S. and Israeli strikes, followed by retaliatory attacks by Iran.
Guterres emphasized the cascading global consequences of the conflict, including disrupted trade, rising energy and food prices, and growing insecurity. “The most vulnerable are being hurt first and worst. The region and the world desperately need an off-ramp,” he said.
The UN chief’s visit coincided with Ramadan, reflecting his solidarity with Muslim communities and celebrating the compassion and generosity of the Turkish people. He accepted the award on behalf of UN staff, honoring their work in humanitarian aid and peacebuilding, and called for renewed global focus on dialogue and de-escalation: “Together, let us give peace a chance.”
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