The United Nations expressed "deep concern over the increased intensity of crossfire along the Blue Line yesterday, raising the risk of a large-scale war," referring to the military escalation between Hezbollah and Israel amid ongoing Israeli aggression in southern Lebanon and the war in Gaza.
The UN stated in a statement that "escalation can, and must, be avoided," emphasizing that "the risk of miscalculation leading to a sudden and wider conflagration is a real danger. A political and diplomatic solution is the only viable way forward."
It mentioned that "on July 4, the Lebanese Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee visited UNIFIL to express support for UNIFIL and Resolution 1701. Also yesterday, the UN Special Coordinator met with Lebanese officials, including Speaker of the House Nabih Berri and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, underscoring the need to de-escalate along the Blue Line."
The UN added, "We reiterate the calls of the UN Special Coordinator's Office in Lebanon and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, urging both sides to immediately return to a ceasefire and recommit to the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006)."
