Geneva, March 03 (QNA) - United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed Tuesday his deep shock at the impact of the war in the Middle East on civilians, amid widespread fear and panic across the region, urging all parties to come to their senses and end the violence.

Speaking at a press conference, Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner, said that the fear, panic and anxiety felt by millions across the Middle East and beyond are plainly visible and entirely avoidable, noting that the situation is worsening and escalating by the hour.

She added that Turk is deeply shocked by the impact of the large-scale hostilities on civilians and civilian infrastructure since the outbreak of the conflict on Saturday, following Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran, Iran's retaliation against countries in the region, and Hezbollah's subsequent involvement in the conflict.

She stressed that the laws of war are absolutely clear: civilians and civilian objects are protected, and all states and armed groups must comply with these rules.

She further said the UN human rights office is calling on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, prevent further escalation, and take all possible measures to protect civilians, including foreign nationals, as well as vital infrastructure, urging a return to the negotiating table as the only way to stop the killing, destruction and despair. (QNA)