In a press conference held in Beirut, UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the extensive devastation resulting from the US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which has led to significant destruction in the region over the past two weeks. He remarked that the retaliatory rocket attacks from Hezbollah into Israel, meant to support Tehran, were met with a “devastating” bombing campaign by Israel, leaving vast areas of Lebanon “uninhabitable.”
Guterres emphasized that the conflict was not a choice made by the Lebanese populace, stating, “The Lebanese people did not choose this war. They were dragged into it.”
He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, asserting that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East lacks a military resolution and that a diplomatic solution in accordance with the UN Charter is imperative.
The UN chief recognized the toll on both sides of the Blue Line, which divides southern Lebanon from northern Israel and is monitored by the UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, under a Security Council mandate. He noted that while Israelis have sought refuge in shelters due to Hezbollah’s rocket fire, the casualties in Lebanon have been severe, with hundreds killed, including many children.
More than 800,000 individuals have been displaced from their homes in the southern conflict areas and parts of southern Beirut, following comprehensive Israeli evacuation orders.
During his visit to a shelter, Guterres expressed profound sorrow at the accounts shared by displaced individuals. He pointed out that a ceasefire agreement established just over a year ago did not put an end to the ongoing violence, as both Hezbollah and Israeli forces have violated the terms of the ceasefire.
He commended the bravery of UNIFIL peacekeepers, who have recently faced gunfire, stating, “Attacks against peacekeepers and positions are completely unacceptable and must cease.”
Guterres also acknowledged the Lebanese Government’s landmark decision last August to enforce a “monopoly of arms,” asserting that Hezbollah militants must comply with this resolution and all other Security Council directives regarding the disarmament of their weapons.
The Secretary-General visited a Ghanaian peacekeeper in the hospital who was injured while serving with the UNIFIL mission amid the renewed hostilities in southern Lebanon.
In his concluding remarks, Guterres urged the international community to enhance their involvement, stating, “Empower the Lebanese State and support the Lebanese Armed Forces to ensure they have the necessary capabilities and resources.”
He encouraged nations to respond generously to the UN’s flash humanitarian appeal to assist the Government’s response efforts.
“The people of Lebanon, as well as those in Israel and across the region, deserve to live without fear and raise their children free from the sounds of sirens and strikes. They should be able to return home without the anxiety of having to flee again,” he said.
The Secretary-General underscored the UN’s commitment to tirelessly support the people and institutions of Lebanon: “Together, we will not spare any effort in working towards the peaceful future that Lebanon and this region so justly deserve.”
