The situation along the Blue Line, the demarcation between
Israeli and Lebanese armed forces, has been deteriorating since
Israel launched its offensive in the Gaza Strip following the
brutal 7 October attack by Hamas and other Palestinian armed
groups against communities in the country's south.
On Thursday Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah reportedly issued a
stern warning to Israel amid reports that the Israeli military
has approved plans for an offensive on southern Lebanon.
Prevent a catastrophe
Speaking to the press at the UN Headquarters, in New York,
Secretary-General António
Guterresunderscored that a widening of the conflict in the
Middle East must be avoided.
“Let's be clear: The people of the region and the people of the
world cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza,” he stressed.
“One rash move – one miscalculation – could trigger a
catastrophe that goes far beyond the border, and
frankly, beyond imagination,” he said.
The UN chief also highlighted that on both sides of the Blue
Line, many people have already lost their lives and been driven
from their homes and livelihoods.
De-escalation now
He urged both sides to “urgently recommit” to the full
implementation of Security Council
resolution 1701 and immediately return to a cessation of
hostilities.
Adopted in 2006, the resolution set in motion a ceasefire between
Israel and Hezbollah, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from
southern Lebanon and the establishment of demilitarized zone.
“The world must say loudly and clearly: immediate
de-escalation is not only possible – it is essential,”
Mr. Guterres said, declaring that “there is no military
solution.”
He also underscored the need to protect civilians, ensure that
children, journalists and medical workers are not targeted, and
ensure the displaced can return to their homes.
UN peacekeepers on the ground
The Secretary-General also emphasized that the UN is “actively
engaging” to promote peace, security and stability, in line with
resolution 1701.
“UN peacekeepers, UNIFIL, are on the ground
working to de-escalate tensions and help prevent miscalculation,
in an extremely challenging environment” he said, adding
that the Organization fully supports diplomatic efforts to end
the violence, restore stability and avoid even greater human
suffering in the region.
“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 pathway to a two-State
solution,” Mr. Guterres concluded.
