The UN is calling for the prevention of actions that could push the Middle East to the “edge of the abyss.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has criticized the Israeli military strike on Beirut and the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

The attacks in southern Beirut and Tehran constitute a dangerous armed conflict at a time when all efforts should be directed towards a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all Israeli prisoners, increased humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and the restoration of calm in Lebanon and across the Blue Line, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Wednesday, July 31.

Guterres called on everyone to exercise “maximum restraint” and “work actively to de-escalate the region to achieve long-term peace and stability for all,” he said.

“The international community must work together to immediately prevent any action that could push the entire Middle East to the brink of a precipice, with devastating impacts on civilians. The way to do this is through advancing comprehensive diplomatic action for regional de-escalation,” the statement said.