Guterres Calls for End to Middle East War After Devastating Israeli Bombing of Lebanon
Beirut, Lebanon – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East on Sunday, following weeks of escalating violence sparked by US and Israeli bombing of Iran and subsequent Hezbollah rocket fire into Israel. Speaking in Beirut, Guterres described the Israeli bombing campaign in Lebanon as “devastating,” warning that it is “rendering large portions of Lebanon uninhabitable.”
The UN chief’s visit comes as the region teeters on the brink of wider conflict. Hezbollah’s support for Tehran triggered the recent escalation, prompting a forceful response from Israel. The fighting has displaced over 800,000 people in southern Lebanon and areas of southern Beirut, following Israeli evacuation orders.
“The Lebanese people did not choose this war. They were dragged into it,” Guterres stated, emphasizing the civilian toll. He acknowledged the impact on both sides of the Blue Line, the border demarcation between Lebanon and Israel patrolled by the UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL. Hundreds of Lebanese have been killed, “including many children,” while Israelis have sought shelter from Hezbollah rockets.
Guterres visited a shelter in Beirut, expressing his sadness at the testimonies of those displaced. He also paid tribute to the courage of UNIFIL peacekeepers, condemning attacks against them as “completely unacceptable.” Recent days have seen peacekeepers come under fire.
The Secretary-General urged the international community to “step up your engagement,” empowering the Lebanese State and supporting its armed forces. He specifically called for a generous response to the UN flash humanitarian appeal for Lebanon.
“The people of Lebanon – as well as Israel and all other peoples throughout the region – deserve to live without fear, to raise their children without the sound of sirens and strikes,” Guterres said. “To return home without wondering when they have to flee again.”
He reiterated that there is no military solution to the conflict, only a diplomatic one aligned with the UN Charter. Guterres also praised the Lebanese Government’s decision to establish a “monopoly of arms,” calling on Hezbollah to abide by it and all relevant Security Council resolutions.
The UN continues to work on the ground to support Lebanon’s people and institutions, Guterres affirmed, vowing to spare no effort in striving for a peaceful future for the region.
[Image of UN Secretary-General António Guterres shaking hands with a Lebanese Army soldier recovering in a hospital bed in Lebanon, with another soldier standing by. UNIFIL/Haidar Fahs]
