During a United Nations Security Council meeting on Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a dire warning, stressing that Lebanon could face devastating consequences if the current conflict escalates into an all-out war similar to the situation in Gaza. He called for an immediate halt to hostilities, stating, “It would surely be an all-out catastrophe.”
Guterres urged all parties involved to respect UN Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701, which aim to protect civilians and infrastructure, and ensure international law is adhered to by all sides. He further emphasized the need to safeguard both UN personnel and local communities.
The escalating tensions have already displaced nearly 200,000 people in Lebanon and over 60,000 in northern Israel since October of the previous year. Guterres stressed the importance of the safe return of these communities, urging for a future where they can live without fear.
The Secretary-General also reiterated the necessity of respecting Lebanese sovereignty and called for strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces to help stabilize the region. “We cannot allow Lebanon to become another Gaza,” he said.
In recent days, Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon have reportedly killed around 610 individuals and injured over 2,000, according to Lebanese health authorities. The violence has further intensified the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has been engaged in cross-border fighting since Israel’s military operations against Hamas in Gaza began.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, following Hamas’ cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 41,000 deaths, predominantly women and children. This escalation has alarmed the international community, fearing the outbreak of a wider regional war if military actions in Lebanon persist.
To address the growing tensions, the US, European Union, and other nations proposed a 21-day cease-fire on Wednesday, aiming to facilitate negotiations between Israel and Hezbollah. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet responded to the proposal, directing the Israel Defense Forces to continue their operations “with full force” in Gaza.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts, urging for negotiations to prevent further escalation. Despite these initiatives, the potential for a broader conflict remains a serious concern for the international community.
