Friday, the United Nations Security Council convened to discuss the situation in the Middle East, with a specific focus on Palestine.

Khaled Khiari, the Deputy Head of Political Affairs for the Middle East at the United Nations, delivered a briefing highlighting the concerning and deteriorating situation in the region. He reiterated the UN Secretary-General's call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for humanitarian reasons.

The UN official warned of the ongoing risk of regional escalation of the conflict, with potential devastating consequences for the entire area, given the involvement of multiple stakeholders.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed profound concern earlier today about the continued extension and regional expansion of the conflict, warning of potentially destructive consequences for the entire region.

In a statement, Guterres pointed to a continuing risk of a broader regional conflict, the longer the conflict in Gaza persists, given the danger of escalation and misjudgment by multiple actors.

He added that the escalation of violence in the occupied West Bank, including intensified operations by Israeli occupying forces, the increase in casualties, and settler violence, is extremely alarming.