UN Chief Voices Alarm Over Escalating Clashes Along Lebanon-Israel Border

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed serious concern regarding the recent surge in exchanges of fire across the Blue Line, the border between Lebanon and Israel, Xinhua reported yesterday.

His spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, highlighted that this significant increase in hostilities endangers both Lebanese and Israeli civilians and poses a threat to regional security and stability.

Guterres called for immediate de-escalation and urged both parties to “urgently and immediately” return to a cessation of hostilities, stressing the importance of fully implementing UN Security Council resolution 1701. This resolution, adopted in August 2006, aims to halt conflicts between Hezbollah and the Israeli army, mandates the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and establishes a demilitarized zone to prevent further violence.

In a joint statement, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reiterated the need for restraint, urging both Israel and Hezbollah to avoid any further escalatory actions. They emphasized that a sustainable resolution can only be achieved through a return to ceasefire and adherence to the principles outlined in resolution 1701, reinforcing the importance of diplomatic efforts in the region.