The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has reacted to the attacks launched on Israel by Iran at the weekend.

Guterres issued a statement and also posted a video on the UN X account, urging restraint by all parties and warning that neither the region nor the world could afford another war.

Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles from its territory toward Israel, with most intercepted on Saturday.

Speaking about the latest violence in the Middle East, the UN chief said the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has already wreaked havoc on civilians, thus cautioning those involved not to escalate tension in the region.

Guterres said, “It’s time to step back from the brink. it’s vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military commutations on multiple fronts in the Middle East. Civilians are already bearing the brunt and paying the highest price.

“And we have a shared responsibility to actively engage all parties concerned to prevent from further escalations.

“As the Friendly Relations Declaration of 1970 states, acts of reprisal involving the use of force are barred under international law. We have a shared responsibility to secure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.

“We have a shared responsibility to stop violence in the occupied West Bank, de-escalate the situation along the Blue Line, and re-establish safe navigation in the Red Sea.

“We have a shared responsibility to work for peace – regional and indeed global peace and security are being undermined by the hour. Neither the region nor the world can afford more war.”