United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a grave warning that Lebanon must not suffer the same catastrophic destruction experienced in Gaza, describing the escalating conflict in the Middle East as spiraling “out of control.”
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Guterres voiced deep concern over the intensifying clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. He emphasized that the devastating “Gaza model” of urban ruin must not be repeated along the Lebanese border. This statement comes amid weeks of direct military confrontations involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have pushed the region dangerously close to a full-scale collapse.
“Across the region and far beyond, civilians are enduring severe harm and living in profound insecurity,” the UN chief said, reflecting on the humanitarian crisis he witnessed during a recent visit to the area.
In a significant development, Guterres highlighted the unprecedented volatility triggered by US-Israeli strikes in late February, which resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. He noted that the conflict has now exceeded previously imagined boundaries, causing a “rising tide of human suffering” and contributing to notable global economic instability.
To address the escalating crisis, Guterres announced the appointment of veteran French diplomat Jean Arnault as a special envoy tasked with leading UN mediation efforts aimed at de-escalation.
Directly addressing the warring parties, the Secretary-General called for an immediate halt to hostilities. He urged Hezbollah to stop its rocket attacks and demanded that Israel cease its strikes on Lebanese territory, warning that these actions are disproportionately impacting civilians.
