In a meeting of the Security Council on Wednesday, he said that a storm of disaster is brewing in Lebanon. Shelling along the Blue Line, the border line separating Israel and Lebanon, is increasing in scope and intensity.
Monday’s attack was the deadliest in a generation. The Israeli army continued shelling areas controlled by Hezbollah.
Last weekend, Israel came under rocket fire in response to the bombing of pagers and walkie-talkie communication devices used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon.
The top UN official called on both sides to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty. He said that the government should have full control over the weapons in the country.
“We support all efforts to strengthen the Lebanese security forces.”
The UN chief said there are daily violations around the Blue Line, which is monitored by the UN mission. This is in violation of Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701.
The UN chief addressed the Security Council meeting called on the Lebanon issue.
Two hundred thousand Lebanese citizens are reported to be internally displaced. At the same time, more than 60,000 people were displaced in northern Israel. Many people have lost their lives since Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Gaza in support of Hamas.
The UN Secretary General said that people on both sides of the border should be able to return to their homes and live in safety without fear.
Secretary-General Guterres praised diplomatic efforts to reduce the conflict and expressed his support for the ceasefire. He said, if necessary, humanitarian assistance should be ensured for the citizens of Lebanon.
“Despite the dangerous situation, our peacekeepers are staying put,” although most civilian workers have temporarily moved to other areas.
He said civilians must be protected and infrastructure must be avoided. And all parties must say in a clear voice that death and destruction must stop. Reduce rhetoric and threats and come back from the brink of destruction.