UN Secretary-General calls for respect for Lebanese sovereignty

In an address to the UN Security Council, Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the situation in the Middle East is spiraling out of control, with escalating violence particularly noted in Lebanon and Israeli Occupation.

Reflecting on a briefing from just a week ago, Guterres noted, “The raging fires in the Middle East are fast becoming an inferno.” He pointed out that tensions along the Blue Line have intensified dramatically, with frequent exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israeli Occupation Forces.

The Secretary-General highlighted that these exchanges violate Security Council resolutions, specifically 1701 and 1559, and called for respect for Lebanese sovereignty, urging the Lebanese government to regain control over all armed groups within its borders.

Since his last address, Israeli Occupation airstrikes have intensified, targeting key Hezbollah locations, including the death of its leader in a recent strike. In retaliation, Hezbollah has launched multiple rocket attacks into "Israel."

The UN peacekeeping forces, known as UNIFIL, continue to operate in the region, with Guterres expressing gratitude for their efforts amidst ongoing hostilities.

The civilian toll has been devastating, with over 1,700 fatalities reported in Lebanon since October, including more than 100 children. Humanitarian conditions are dire, with estimates suggesting that as many as one million people have been displaced.

Guterres condemned the recent missile attacks launched by Iran in response to the killings of prominent military figures, stating that such actions do not aid the Palestinian cause and only exacerbate tensions.

The Secretary-General called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of prisoners, and a renewed commitment to a two-state solution, emphasizing the urgent need to break the cycle of violence that threatens to engulf the region.

“The time for decisive action is now,” he stated, urging the international community to take immediate steps to prevent further bloodshed and to ensure the protection civilians.

In a somber reminder of the humanitarian crisis, Guterres reiterated, “We must never lose sight of the tremendous toll that this growing conflict is taking on civilians. This deadly cycle of tit-for-tat violence must stop.”