The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of events in Beirut within the last 24 hours. Guterres emphasized the urgent need for all parties involved to halt the cycle of violence and step back from the brink to prevent further conflict.
Guterres stressed that the people of Lebanon, Israel, and the wider region cannot afford to be dragged into an all-out war. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages to de-escalate tensions.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has persisted for decades, has reached a critical point with the killing of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah. This development has heightened concerns about the potential for a broader regional conflict.
The Secretary-General's spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, reiterated Guterres' plea for peace and urged all parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to resolve differences and prevent further bloodshed.