India, June 23 -- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is joining the UN Secretary-General and other leaders in appealing for an urgent de-escalation in the dangerously spiralling conflict between Israel and Iran. The intensity of the attacks is already triggering population movements in both countries.

Movements have been reported from Tehran and other parts of Iran, with some choosing to cross into neighbouring countries. Equally, shelling has caused people in Israel to seek shelter elsewhere in the country and in some cases abroad.

UNHCR urges states in the region to respect the right of people to seek safety where needed and to facilitate humanitarian access to those affected. The agency joins other UN partners in calling for civilians and...