Gaza Attacks Pose Risk of Spreading Conflict: UN Official

Agencies

United Nations: UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu sounded alarms over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and renewed diplomatic efforts during the opening of a conference on establishing a nuclear weapon-free zone in the Middle East on Tuesday.

Speaking on behalf of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Nakamitsu said, “I come to this conference with a heavy heart, bearing anguish, pain, and sorrow unlike any in my more than 30 years of UN service.”

She paid tribute to the 101 UNRWA staff who lost their lives in Gaza while serving others, urging respect for international humanitarian law.

Nakamitsu highlighted worsening geopolitical tensions, clear violations of humanitarian law, and threats of nuclear weapons use in the region. She emphasized the urgent need for dialogue, diplomacy, and a two-state solution to ensure Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security.

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“Any threat to use nuclear weapons is inadmissible and further illustrates the urgency to achieve a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction,” she said, underlining the importance of effective verification mechanisms for future treaties.

Taher El-Sonni, President of the fourth session of the Conference from Libya, echoed the call, stressing that violations by Israeli forces must end immediately. He condemned recent threats of nuclear attacks against Gaza and reaffirmed the importance of eliminating weapons of mass destruction in the region.

UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis recalled that the Assembly first recommended a Middle East nuclear-free zone over four decades ago. He reiterated support for urgent and practical steps to implement the zone, highlighting the conference as a platform to advance dialogue, regional security, and peace.

The conference will continue deliberations on key measures for establishing a legally binding treaty for a nuclear- and WMD-free Middle East, emphasizing incremental progress and full participation of all regional states.