The World Health Organisation’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recalled the pain of his own wartime upbringing in Ethiopia as he pleaded with global leaders to unite for peace.

Tedros said on X, formerly Twitter, that he was making “a humble plea for ceasefire and peace”.

“As a child trapped in the shadows of war, I intimately knew its smell, sounds and sights. I empathise deeply with those now caught in the middle of conflict, feeling their pain as if it were my own,” he said.

“War brings only devastation, horror, and destruction. Nothing else. “In this critical moment, let us rise above the divisions and embrace the path of peace. The truest display of courage lies in choosing peace. I call on world leaders to unite and lead the world towards peace.”