The United Nations has intervened in the ongoing escalation in southern Lebanon with a stern stance, as UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his deep concern over the expansion of Israeli military operations and civilian casualties, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.
According to a statement by UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres conveyed his "profound concern regarding the escalation of Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, particularly in and around the city of Nabatieh."
Guterres condemned the increasing number of civilian casualties, including women and children, due to the escalating attacks, noting the suffering and displacement caused by evacuation orders, as well as widespread destruction.
He also expressed "intense concern" over reports of Israeli raids on hospitals and healthcare workers, public institutions, and restrictions on humanitarian aid access.
The UN Secretary-General urged all parties to adhere to their commitments under international law, including international humanitarian law, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and civilian objects at all times, and stating that attacks against them "are unacceptable."
Guterres called for the "immediate cessation of hostilities," urging Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanese territories. He also called on all parties to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to fulfill their obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006.
He reaffirmed the United Nations' commitment to supporting efforts toward ending the violence, protecting civilians, and making progress toward finding a lasting solution to the conflict.
Guterres's position comes amid extensive Israeli escalation in southern Lebanon, notably in Nabatieh and its surroundings, which has resulted in civilian casualties, damage to healthcare facilities and public institutions, and residential areas, alongside displacement caused by military operations and evacuation orders. International calls to implement Resolution 1701 and end the escalation while protecting civilians continue to renew.