"The Secretary-General believes that the attacks we have seen in South Beirut and Tehran represent a dangerous escalation at a moment in which all efforts should instead be leading to a ceasefire in Gaza" and "the release of all Israeli hostages," AFP reported citing a statement by spokesman for the secretary-general Stephane Dujarric.

"Rather than that, what we are seeing are efforts to undermine these goals," said the UN chief through his spokesman.

Accordingly, Guterres urged all sides to work towards "regional de-escalation" and called on the international community to prevent actions that could push the Middle East "over the edge," warning of the devastating impact such actions could have on civilians.

"The way to do so is by advancing comprehensive diplomatic action for regional de-escalation," said the statement.

Hezbollah released a statement on Wednesday officially announcing the death of Hezbollah leader Fouad Shukur hours after Israel carried out an airstrike on Tuesday evening targetting his home in Beirut’s southern suburb.

The assassination of Shukur came hours before Israel assassinated Hamas Political Bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in his special residence in Tehran while on an official visit to Iran.