UN calls for urgent de-escalation in Middle East

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk on Monday urged immediate de-escalation in the Middle East, fearing the Gaza conflict could widen. Turk expressed deep concern over rising tensions and called for urgent action from all parties and influential states to prevent further escalation. Iran's recent statement asserting its right to retaliate against Israel, along with ongoing violence between Israel and Hezbollah, has heightened international worries about the conflict spreading. Turk emphasized the dire need to avoid further suffering for civilians.