UN chief says ‘diplomatic avenues are available’ to end war in Lebanon
UN Secretary-General visits Beirut, calls for immediate de-escalation and support for Lebanese government.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres traveled to Beirut on Saturday, delivering a firm message that diplomatic avenues remain the only viable path to end the escalating conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. He explicitly stated, 'There is no military solution, only diplomacy, dialogue and full implementation of the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions.' Guterres urged the international community to support the Lebanese government, which last year committed to disarming Hezbollah, and emphasized that his special coordinator for Lebanon is actively engaging with all key actors.
Guterres detailed the UN's efforts, noting his team is working 'around the clock' to facilitate an 'immediate de-escalation and the cessation of hostilities.' He strongly condemned recent attacks on UN peacekeepers, calling them 'completely unacceptable' and warning they are breaches of international law that 'may constitute war crimes.' This statement followed an incident earlier this month where three peacekeepers from the Ghanaian contingent were wounded in south Lebanon. The conflict intensified last week after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes, dragging Lebanon deeper into the regional war.
- UN chief Antonio Guterres visited Beirut, asserting 'diplomatic avenues are available' to end the Israel-Hezbollah war.
- He condemned attacks on UN peacekeepers as potential 'war crimes,' referencing three wounded Ghanaian contingent members.
- Guterres urged international support for Lebanon's government and confirmed his envoy is engaging key actors 'around the clock.'
Why It Matters
The UN's direct intervention highlights the critical risk of regional escalation and underscores the fragile state of diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider war.