The UN Secretary-General urged world leaders to use the UN General Assembly to reduce tensions. Referring to the escalation of fighting in the Middle East, Antonio Guterres said that what is called a “ceasefire” is nothing more than a reduction in the intensity of hostilities, and civilians continue to pay the price.

Guterres called for an end to the war, the free delivery of humanitarian aid, and the “full restoration of the rights and freedoms of navigation in accordance with international law.”