UN: Middle East War Costs Arab Countries $186 Billion

The war in the Middle East has already cost Arab countries $186 billion, according to the UN. UN Deputy Secretary-General Abdallah al Dardari called for an end to hostilities.

Al Dardari stated that the GDP of the Arab region would suffer a loss of approximately 6% after one month of hostilities. In addition, it is estimated that about 3.7 million jobs will be lost and 4 million people will fall below the poverty line.

The UN official highlighted the economic dependence of the Gulf countries on oil and the need to find alternative routes from the Strait of Hormuz.

"We hope the fighting will stop tomorrow, because every day of delay has negative effects on the global economy," Al Dardari stressed.