UN chief urges ceasefires to hold as Israel shuts Gaza crossings UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned against further escalation in the Middle East, calling on all sides to uphold ceasefires in Lebanon, Iran and Gaza. In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Guterres urged “all parties” to “fully abide by the ceasefires in Lebanon, Iran and Gaza, and to avoid any steps that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts”. He also condemned Israel’s move to shut crossings into Gaza, saying he was “also deeply concerned by the decision by Israel to close crossings into Gaza”.