Beirut, Lebanon – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, stating that diplomatic channels remain open to end the escalating conflict that has rendered large portions of Lebanon uninhabitable. Guterres made the appeal during a visit to Beirut on Saturday, following two weeks of widespread destruction triggered by U.S. And Israeli bombing of Iran and the subsequent retaliatory actions.
Addressing reporters in the Lebanese capital, Guterres emphasized that the Lebanese people “did not choose this war” and were “dragged into it” after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in recent U.S.-Israeli strikes. He underscored that there is “no military solution” to the conflict, only a diplomatic one consistent with the UN Charter.
The UN chief acknowledged the impact of the fighting on both sides of the Blue Line, the border demarcation between southern Lebanon and northern Israel, which is patrolled by the UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL. He noted that Israelis have sought shelter from Hezbollah rockets, while the death toll in Lebanon has climbed to 826 since March 2, including 106 children. More than 800,000 people have been displaced from their homes in southern Lebanon and areas of southern Beirut targeted by Israeli strikes, following evacuation orders.
Guterres visited a shelter in Beirut and expressed his sadness at the testimonies of displaced people. He also pointed out that a cessation of hostilities agreement reached just over a year ago had failed to prevent renewed violence, with both Hezbollah and Israeli forces violating ceasefire terms.
The Secretary-General paid tribute to the courage of UNIFIL peacekeepers, who have come under fire in recent days, stating that attacks against them and their positions are “completely unacceptable” and must cease. He also praised the Lebanese Government’s decision last August to establish a “monopoly of arms,” urging Hezbollah to abide by it and all other relevant Security Council resolutions by handing over their weapons.
Guterres announced a $325 million emergency humanitarian appeal to support the Lebanese government’s response to the crisis, aiming to provide food, water, healthcare, education, and protection for displaced families over the next three months. He called on the international community to “step up your engagement” and empower the Lebanese State and Armed Forces with the resources they necessitate.
“The people of Lebanon – as well as Israel and all other peoples throughout the region – deserve to live without fear, to raise their children without the sound of sirens and strikes. To return home without wondering when they have to flee again,” Guterres said. He affirmed the UN’s commitment to working tirelessly to support Lebanon’s people and institutions, striving for a peaceful future for the region.
Meanwhile, reports indicate Israel is planning a major ground invasion of Lebanon, aiming to seize the area south of the Litani River, an area already subject to Israeli evacuation warnings. The UN continues to urge de-escalation and a return to diplomatic solutions.
