World calls for restraint, says new war unaffordable

KABUL (Pajhwok): The global fraternity on Sunday voiced grave concerns over an unpredicted missile and drone strike on Israel, underlining the need for restraint on both sides.

Late on Saturday, Iran launched scores of drones from its territory towards Israel, whose military remained vigilant and tracked all targets approaching the country.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the world could least afford another war. “I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation…”

He called for all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could trigger major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East.

While denouncing the escalatory strike, in a statement, the secretary-general underlined the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet on Sunday evening to discuss the situation resulting from the Iranian attack.

US President Joe Biden, after a meeting with his security team for an update on the situation, he said in a post on X: “Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad.”

European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles said the bloc condemned the "unacceptable" Iranian attack.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned Iran's "reckless attack" and blamed the Islamic republic for “sowing chaos in its own backyard”.

In a statement, he said: “Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard.” He also reaffirmed the UK's commitment to the security of Israel.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also urged all parties to exercise the "utmost levels" of restraint to avoid further escalation and the potential dangers of war.

The Saudi foreign ministry highlighted the serious repercussions of such military escalations in the region. It asked the UN Security Council to fulfil its obligation to maintain international peace and security.

Former US President Donald Trump said: “ISRAEL IS UNDER ATTACK! This should never have been allowed to happen.” Such an attack would not have happened if he had been in office, he claimed.

According to AFP, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said: “China expresses deep concern over the current escalation and calls on relevant parties to exercise calm and restraint to prevent further escalations.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: "Canada unequivocally condemns Iran’s airborne attacks against Israel. We stand with Israel. After supporting Hamas’ brutal Oct. 7 attack, the Iranian regime’s latest actions will further destabilize the region and make lasting peace more difficult.

PAN Monitor/mud