Doha: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called today for an end to the fighting across the Middle East and urged the full restoration of international navigational rights and freedoms in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

According to Qatar News Agency, Guterres emphasized that the military escalation, which began six months ago, has transformed from a regional conflict into a source of global instability. He highlighted that the conflict has significantly disrupted trade through the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in increased prices of food and essential fertilizers, and has had a profound impact on global energy markets and supply chains.

Guterres pointed out the global repercussions of the conflict, stating, "Around the world, we see families struggling to put food on the table, farmers unable to afford essential inputs, and vulnerable countries being pushed to the brink." His remarks underscored the widespread effects on international communities and the urgent need for resolution.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) separately issued a warning about the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, estimating that approximately 45 million people could face acute food insecurity. The agency highlighted that rising prices and slowing economic growth are poised to drive millions more into poverty, emphasizing the critical need to prevent further escalation and protect vulnerable populations.