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Speaking to journalists in the capital Beirut after two weeks of widespread destruction triggered by US and Israeli bombing of Iran, António Guterres noted that Hezbollah’s rocket fire at Israel in support of Tehran had been followed by a “devastating” Israeli bombing campaign that “making large parts of Lebanon uninhabitable.”
There is no war of choice for the Lebanese people
“The Lebanese people did not choose this war. They get sucked into ithe continued.
“The war must stop,” said the UN Secretary General, while underlining that there is no military solution to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, only a diplomatic solution in line with the agreement. UN Charter.
He acknowledged the impact on both sides of the Blue Line separating southern Lebanon from northern Israel, which is patrolled by UN peacekeepers. UNIFILE under a Security Council mandate.
Israelis have fled to shelters in the face of Hezbollah rockets, while hundreds of Lebanese have been killed “including many children.”
More than 800,000 people were forced to flee their homes in the southern conflict zone and areas targeted by Hezbollah strongholds in southern Beirut, following Israeli evacuation orders.
Shelter visits
“I am deeply saddened by the testimonies of the refugees I visited in the shelter today,” said Mr Guterres.
He noted that the cessation of hostilities agreement between Lebanon and Israel, which took place more than a year ago, did not end the simmering violence, as Hezbollah and Israeli forces violated the terms of the ceasefire.
The UN Secretary General paid tribute to the courage of the UNIFIL peacekeepers who have come under fire in recent days: “Attacks on peacekeepers and their positions are completely unacceptable and must stop.”
Guterres praised the Lebanese government’s historic decision last August establishing an “arms monopoly”, adding that Hezbollah militants must comply with the decision and all other Security Council resolutions to surrender their weapons.
UN Secretary General António Guterres visited Ghanaian peacekeepers in hospital serving with the UNIFIL mission who were injured after coming under attack during the renewed conflict in southern Lebanon.
International messages
“Finally, my message to the international community is as follows: increase your engagement,” said the UN Secretary General.
Empowering the Lebanese State and supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces to secure the capabilities and resources they need.”
He called on countries to respond generously UN humanitarian appeal to assist the Government-led response.
“The Lebanese people – as well as Israel and all the nations of the region – have the right to live without fear, to raise their children without the sound of sirens and strikes.. To return home without wondering when they will have to run away again.”
That UN on the ground working tirelessly to support Lebanon’s society and institutions, the Secretary-General underlined: “Together, we will make every effort to fight for the peaceful future that Lebanon and the region so richly deserve,” he said.
