UN Chief Urges Leaders to De-escalate Middle East Conflicts, Restore Freedom of Navigation
NEW YORK, September 22, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged world leaders on Tuesday to reduce tensions in the Middle East, halt fighting, allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians and restore freedom of navigation in accordance with international law.
Speaking at the opening of the UN General Assembly’s high-level general debate, Guterres said conflicts across the Middle East were overlapping and that civilians continued to suffer even where ceasefires had been declared.
He called for dialogue and said the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers must apply without exception. Aid must be allowed to reach those who need it without obstruction, he said.
Guterres urged governments to keep their attention on the Occupied Palestinian Territory. He described the scale of death and destruction in Gaza as unprecedented during his time as secretary-general and warned that violence, displacement and settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank were further undermining prospects for peace.
He said the two-state solution must remain a path to resolving the conflict.
The secretary-general also called for the UN Charter to be applied consistently, stronger efforts on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, and accountability for violations.
Turning to the United Nations itself, Guterres renewed his call to reform the Security Council so it better reflects today’s world. He said Africa should have permanent representation on the council.
Guterres also warned of violence and displacement in Ukraine, Sudan and Myanmar. He called for greater participation by women in peace negotiations, warned that the world was approaching the 1.5°C climate threshold and urged stronger oversight of artificial intelligence.
Source: WAM
