The UN Development Programme’s leader informed Euronews that the consequences of the Middle Eastern conflict extend «far beyond the region», emphasizing that without a resolution, the preconditions for future conflicts are being established.
Alexander De Croo, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), told Euronews’ morning broadcast Europe Today that even if the Middle East conflict ended immediately, the subsequent effects could foster the emergence of further disputes.
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«The immediate priority [must be] halting the war or, at minimum, achieving some normalization of the shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz,» stated the former Belgian Prime Minister.
He warned that even if hostilities ended now, economic measures are crucial to prevent entire nations and populations from slipping back into long-term poverty.
A recent UNDP report highlighted that the ongoing military escalation in the Middle East threatens to push over 30 million people worldwide into poverty.
De Croo emphasized that global financial institutions should implement macroeconomic policies, including targeted, temporary cash assistance for affected individuals or offering free access to fuel and cooking gas.
«Without these specific and timely macroeconomic actions, the number of indirect consequences will increase,» De Croo explained to Euronews.
«Moreover, we’ve yet to address the cascading effects of poverty and food insecurity, which risk sparking additional conflicts, increased displacement, migration flows, and the rise of various forms of extremism.»
The UNDP report also indicated that although the conflict’s effects are «focused on countries directly impacted by the fighting and those dependent on imported energy,» there is clear evidence of substantial long-term damage even to poorer nations not directly involved.
«The repercussions extend far beyond the immediate area,» De Croo noted. «Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, is severely affected by these developments. Some small island nations in the Pacific are starting to experience fuel shortages. Hence, the war and its associated blockade have a profound impact.»
He asserted that such circumstances confirm the idea that «war is regression in development.»
«It can take decades to eradicate poverty, but only six weeks of conflict to reverse that progress,» he added.
‘No crystal ball’
During the interview, Euronews discussed with De Croo the rumors surrounding renewed talks between the United States and Iran. President Donald Trump mentioned that both parties are «very close» to reaching an agreement, with negotiations potentially resuming soon in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital.
When asked about his confidence in a diplomatic resolution between the US and Iran, De Croo responded, «Do I have confidence? I don’t have a crystal ball. Am I hopeful? Yes.»
A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon started Thursday night, sparking optimism that officials from both sides may begin talks toward a lasting security and peace deal.
De Croo emphasized the necessity of this ceasefire. Approximately 1.2 million individuals have been displaced in Lebanon as a consequence of Israeli bombardments triggered by Hezbollah’s entry into the regional conflict on March 2, launching missiles toward Israel.
«The human toll is enormous, as is the material destruction,» De Croo stated. «International actors have invested heavily in stabilizing Lebanon — building hospitals, schools, and other essential infrastructure — all of which is now being destroyed. Citizens’ taxes are effectively being used to fund military operations.»
He added his hope that the ceasefire would genuinely hold and avoid becoming merely a reduction in hostilities, unlike previous experiences seen in Gaza.
Organizations operating in Gaza, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), report continued Israeli military actions and expanding control over more areas of the Strip.