UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the organisation remains deeply concerned about the renewed escalation across the Middle East and warned that civilians are bearing the consequences of the conflict. “We are indeed concerned by a resurgence of hostilities and renewed escalation across much of the region,” Dujarric said.
Dujarric stressed that civilians and critical infrastructure must be protected. “As in any conflict, the protection of civilians and civilian objects is critical.”
Dujarric added: “All parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.”
The latest violence has reignited fears of a broader regional conflict, with the UN also expressing concern over renewed threats from Yemen’s Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping routes in the Red Sea.
According to Dujarric, disruptions to maritime trade could have significant humanitarian and economic consequences. “We’ve seen the Red Sea already being choked off in the past. We don’t want to see a return to that,” Dujarric said.
Dujarric warned that any disruption would affect the movement of humanitarian supplies and international trade. “It will again have a negative impact on global commerce, on the trade in energy, and just commerce as a whole.”
The escalation follows the collapse of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Washington and Tehran in June, which had raised hopes of ending hostilities that began in February.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said civilians across the region are once again facing uncertainty and fear. “Across the Middle East, civilians are once again living with the fear and uncertainty of repeated strikes, and health systems are being forced to manage the consequences,” said WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Hanan Balkhy.
According to Iranian health authorities, 50 people have been killed and more than 500 injured this month, with women and children among the casualties.
WHO said essential infrastructure has also been affected. A reported strike on a desalination plant in Hormozgan province disrupted drinking water supplies for thousands of people, while explosions near Baqaei Reference Hospital forced the evacuation of children receiving specialised cancer treatment.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it is assessing reports of an attack on the Darkhovin nuclear power plant construction site in Iran.
While the facility reportedly contained no nuclear material and is not believed to pose a radiological risk, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi called for restraint around nuclear facilities.
The effects of the conflict are also being felt elsewhere in the Gulf.
WHO reported that falling debris in Qatar injured five civilians, while authorities in Kuwait reported injuries and significant damage following a strike on an oil facility. Power generation and water desalination infrastructure were also affected. “These incidents are placing civilians and environmental health at growing risk, while putting sustained pressure on emergency responders and health services,” Balkhy said.
The UN and WHO have renewed calls for all parties to pursue dialogue and diplomacy, warning that continued escalation could further destabilise the region and worsen humanitarian conditions.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
