UN Secretary-General Shares Concerns Over Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah War
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed “profound concern” over the escalating violence and “bellicose rhetoric” between Israel and Hezbollah militants across the frontier with Lebanon.
Speaking at the UN headquarters in New York on June 21, Guterres warned that one miscalculation could trigger a catastrophe that goes far beyond the border and beyond imagination.
Context on the Israel and Lebanon Escalation
Escalating Violence: The UN chief emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation, citing the devastating impact on civilians and the region.
UN Resolution 1701: Guterres urged both sides to recommit to the full implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1701, which set in motion a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and the establishment of a demilitarized zone.
Protection of Civilians: He underscored the need to protect civilians, ensure that children, journalists, and medical workers are not targeted, and ensure the displaced can return to their homes.
No Military Solution: Guterres stressed that there is no military solution and that it is time for reason and rationality, as well as practical and pragmatic engagement by the parties to diplomatic and political avenues available to them.
UN Peacekeepers: The UN chief noted that UN peacekeepers, UNIFIL, are on the ground working to de-escalate tensions and help prevent miscalculation in an extremely challenging environment.
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