In a statement issued late Tuesday by his spokesman, António Guterres urged all parties to “refrain from actions that could undermine the ceasefire” as participate constructively in negotiations towards a lasting resolution.
Satellite image of the Strait of Hormuz.
He also expressed support for Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate the talks, expressing hope that they can help create the conditions for a “comprehensive and lasting” agreement.
However, the status of those negotiations remains unclear.
Increasing risks in the Strait of Hormuz
Even as diplomatic efforts continue, tensions remain high in and around the Strait of Hormuz – one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints – with ship seizures reported off the Iranian coast.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which oversees maritime security, reported that a cargo ship west of Iran was attacked and forced to stop, while a container ship northeast of Oman suffered serious damage to its bridge after being attacked by an armed ship. In both cases, the crews were reported safe.
The narrow waterway, which links the Persian Gulf to global markets, carries a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas supplies. Since US-Israeli bombings against Iran began in late February, shipping traffic has decreased dramatically and insurance costs have increased.
Protect seafarers
The head of the U.N. maritime agency warned in a statement later Wednesday that the situation remains “extremely volatile.”
“Attacks and seizures of commercial vessels are unacceptable,“said IMO Secretary General Arsenio Domínguez, calling for “these reckless actions to cease” and for the affected ships and crews to be released.
He described the conditions facing seafarers in the region as highly precarious, citing accounts of “constant stress from missiles overhead” and continued uncertainty for nearly 20,000 crew members still stranded after weeks of disruption.
“Reducing tension, taking meaningful action and restoring freedom of navigation is the only way forward,”he added.
Humanitarian tension in Lebanon
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, a separate 10-day ceasefire has allowed tens of thousands of displaced families to begin returning, although many homes and other infrastructure were damaged during fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas militants.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), More than 120,000 people remain displaced in collective shelters across the country, despite a 20 percent decrease since the ceasefire began. on April 17.
Returns to many areas of southern Lebanon remain restricted due to the ongoing military presence, with at least 74 locations are still considered unsafe.
A peacemaker succumbs to wounds
UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric confirmed the death of another French peacekeeper who was seriously injured in an attack in southern Lebanon on Saturday.
Corporal Anicet Girardin, 31, succumbed to his injuries after his explosive ordnance disposal team came under attack while clearing a road to restore access to UN positions.
That attack also claimed the life of Chef Sergeant Florian Montorio and injured other peacekeepers. Initial assessments of the mission indicated that the peacekeepers were likely attacked by Hezbollah militants.
He was the fifth UNIFIL peacekeeper killed during the current hostilities.
Destroyed buildings and debris in the Basta neighborhood of Beirut, Lebanon.
Growing needs and fragile services
Humanitarian needs remain severe, with access limitations, funding shortages and ongoing tensions limiting the response.
Food prices have risen six percent since Februarywhich adds pressure to already vulnerable households. Many families are selling assets or taking out loans to cope, and women and girls are often the hardest hit by the crisis.
According to Lebanese authorities, more than 22 percent of agricultural land has been affected by hostilities and more than three-quarters of farmers in southern Lebanon have been forced to suspend their work.
“Across Lebanon, women are playing a critical role in sustaining families and supporting communities during the crisis,” said UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza, emphasizing that their protection and leadership must remain central to the response.
In the southern city of Tyre, displaced women are leading community efforts to support food access, preparing thousands of meals daily through initiatives supported by UN agencies and local partners.
At the same time, The health system is under severe pressure.
Six hospitals were forced to close and 15 were damaged, while dozens of primary health care centers are no longer operational.
Since the beginning of March, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded 147 attacks on healthcare, resulting in 100 deaths and more than 230 injuries among medical personnel.