The United Nations Secretary-General issued a stern warning on Wednesday regarding the deadly Israeli strikes on Lebanon, highlighting the serious threat they pose to the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran. His spokesperson emphasized that the ongoing military operations in Lebanon endanger efforts to achieve a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region.
the Lebanese health ministry, Israeli bombardments on Wednesday resulted in 182 fatalities and left 890 people injured. Beirut experienced the most intense shelling since the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began. Lebanon’s involvement escalated after the Tehran-backed militant group launched attacks on Israel in retaliation for the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
While Iran and the United States agreed to a two-week ceasefire late Tuesday, Israel maintained that Lebanon was excluded from this truce. In response, Hezbollah fired rockets toward Israel, and Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, issued remarks that appeared to challenge the ceasefire agreement.
The UN Secretary-General condemned the rising civilian casualties and expressed deep concern over the increasing toll on innocent lives. He reiterated that there is no military solution to the ongoing conflict and urged all parties to pursue diplomatic avenues immediately.
Earlier, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, and the International Committee of the Red Cross condemned the extensive destruction and loss of life in Lebanon, describing it as “nothing short of horrific.” Turk highlighted the shock that such devastation occurred mere hours after the ceasefire with Iran was agreed upon.
In a significant development, French President Emmanuel Macron also called for Lebanon to be included in the ceasefire, underscoring the international concern over the escalating violence and the urgent need for peace.
