The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed his profound concern regarding the escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah on Friday. Additionally, he declared that U.N. peacekeepers are actively working to mitigate the situation and avoid any potential miscalculations.
“One rash move—one miscalculation—could trigger a catastrophe that goes far beyond the border and, frankly, beyond imagination,” Guterres told reporters. “The people of the region and the world cannot afford for Lebanon to become another Gaza.”
In solidarity with its Palestinian ally Hamas, Iran-backed Hezbollah has been firing rockets at Israel since the Gaza war erupted in October. This has resulted in the displacement of Israelis from their homes, and political pressure is mounting for more stringent action.
As a result of Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, tens of thousands of Lebanese have also evacuated their homes.
For an extended period, UNIFIL, a U.N. peacekeeping force, and UNTSO, unarmed technical observers, have stationed in southern Lebanon to monitor hostilities along the Blue Line, the demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon.
“U.N. peacekeepers are on the ground working to de-escalate tensions and help prevent miscalculation,” said Secretary General Guterres.
