UN chief, António Guterres has warned that the Middle East is being “pushed to breaking point,” citing shipping attacks, rising oil prices and a widening humanitarian crisis.

 

 

 

The remarks in Türkiye while accepting the Atatürk International Award for Peace, urging an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomacy to resolve the ongoing conflict in the region.

 

 

 

Guterres said all parties involved in the conflict must cease hostilities, uphold international law, protect civilians and return to the negotiating table without delay.

 

 

 

“Around the world, we hear much talk of peace, but we see far too little of it,” he said.

 

 

 

“International law continues to be trampled, power politics are gaining ground and inequalities are growing.

 

 

 

“New technologies, including artificial intelligence, risk accelerating violence rather than preventing it. Military spending is skyrocketing, while lifesaving aid is in freefall.”

 

 

 

He warned that civilians continue to pay the price through rising death tolls and shattered communities.

 

 

 

“The massive military strikes launched by the United States and Israel and the subsequent attacks by Iran on several countries constitute a grave threat to international peace and security and have caused immense suffering for civilians.

 

 

 

“The region is being pushed to the breaking point,” he stressed.

 

 

 

According to him, the consequences are “cascading around the world” through disrupted trade, rising energy and food prices and growing instability.

 

 

 

“As always, the most vulnerable are being hurt first and worst,” he said.

 

 

 

“The region and the world desperately need an off-ramp,” Guterres added, noting that de-escalation and dialogue remain the only path forward.

 

 

 

His visit to Türkiye formed part of his annual solidarity trip to a Muslim nation during the holy month of Ramadan.

 

 

 

“These visits are a powerful reminder, to me and to the world, of the true spirit of Islam: compassion, community and empathy,” he said.

 

 

 

“This Ramadan, I felt strongly that my solidarity visit must be here, in Türkiye. I came to shine a global spotlight on the extraordinary and generous spirit of the Turkish people.”

 

 

 

Guterres accepted the award on behalf of United Nations staff, honouring their humanitarian efforts around the world and remembering aid workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

 

 

 

“Together, let us give peace a chance,” he said.

 

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