UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an end to the escalating violence in the Middle East, emphasizing the need to break the "sickening cycle of escalation." This plea was made during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council following Iran's missile attack on Israel, which was a response to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Guterres condemned the Iranian attack and the ongoing retaliatory violence, urging both sides to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.

The recent conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with over 1,000 people killed in Lebanon due to Israeli strikes, and increasing fears of a broader regional war. Israel's government has declared Guterres "persona non grata" for what it perceived as an insufficient condemnation of Iran's actions, while the UN chief has maintained his stance on calling for a balanced and comprehensive cessation of violence.

The situation remains tense as international diplomatic efforts intensify to de-escalate the conflict. The UN chief's call for a ceasefire and his condemnation of attacks on civilians highlight the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing crisis.