United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over rising tensions between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, saying the world cannot afford for Lebanon to become the new Gaza.
“Today I felt compelled to express my deep concern about the escalation between Israel and Hezbollah along the Blue Line,” Guterres told reporters in New York, criticizing the escalation of bellicose rhetoric on both sides as if all-out war were imminent.
Warning of a possible wider regional conflict in the Middle East, Guterres said that one ill-advised move, one misjudgment, could trigger a disaster that goes far beyond borders.
“Let’s be clear, the people of the region and the people of the world cannot afford for Lebanon to become another Gaza,” Guterres said.
He called for the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 and an immediate cessation of hostilities while protecting civilians.
“Children, journalists and medical workers should never be targeted,” Guterres said.
He urged everyone to understand that it is time for reason and rationality.
“A cessation of hostilities and progress towards a permanent ceasefire is the only lasting solution,” Guterres said.
He confirmed the UN’s full support for diplomacy to end violence, restore stability and prevent further humanitarian suffering.
“And we do so as we continue to press for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages and a real path to a two-state solution,” Guterres concluded.
