Violence Cannot Build Trust: WHO Chief Dr Tedros Calls for Peace Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

In a strong message advocating peace over conflict, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for an end to escalating violence in the Middle East, emphasizing that lasting safety cannot be achieved through warfare. Taking to social media, Dr Tedros highlighted the long-standing consequences of conflict in the region, stating that history has repeatedly shown that violence only deepens wounds and fuels resentment. He stressed that each new act of aggression perpetuates cycles of suffering and instability. “You cannot bomb your way to trust, nor can you shoot your way to lasting safety,” he said, underlining the urgent need for a shift in approach. According to him, continued hostilities only sow the seeds for prolonged conflict, making peace even harder to achieve. Dr Tedros further noted that if the global community truly seeks a future free from fear and mourning, it must take the difficult but necessary step of rejecting hate and violence. He described peace-building as a courageous choice that requires collective will and sustained effort. His remarks come at a time when tensions in the Middle East remain high, with ongoing conflicts raising humanitarian concerns and prompting calls for diplomatic solutions from international leaders and organizations. Reiterating the importance of dialogue and cooperation, the WHO chief urged nations to prioritize peace as the only viable path forward, stressing that sustainable stability can only be built through understanding, not force.