Speaking to reporters in the capital Beirut following two weeks of widespread destruction triggered by the US and Israeli bombing of Iran, António Guterres noted that Hezbollah rocket fire into Israel in support of Tehran had been followed by a “devastating” Israeli bombing campaign which is “rendering large portions of Lebanon uninhabitable.”

No war of choice for Lebanese

“The Lebanese people did not choose this war. They were dragged into it,” he continued.

“The war must stop,” the UN chief said, underscoring that there is no military solution to the conflict continuing across the Middle East, only a diplomatic one in line with the UN Charter.

He acknowledged the impact on both sides of the Blue Line that separates southern Lebanon from northern Israel, which is patrolled by the UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL under a Security Council mandate.

Israelis have fled to shelters in the face of Hezbollah rockets, while hundreds of Lebanese have been killed “including many children.”

Well over 800,000 have been forced to flee their homes in the southern conflict zone and areas targeted in the Hezbollah stronghold of southern Beirut, following blanket Israeli evacuation orders.

Shelter visit

“I was deeply saddened by the testimonies of the displaced people that I visited in a shelter today,” said Mr. Guterres.

He noted that a cessation of hostilities agreement between Lebanon and Israel of just over a year ago, did not see an end to simmering violence, with both Hezbollah and Israeli forces violating ceasefire terms.

The UN chief paid tribute to the courage of UNIFIL peacekeepers who have come under fire in recent days: “Attacks against peacekeepers and positions are completely unacceptable and they must stop.”

Mr. Guterres praised the Lebanese Government’s historic decision last August to establish a “monopoly of arms”, adding that Hezbollah militants must abide by it and all other Security Council resolutions to hand over their weapons.

International message

“Finally, my message to the international community is simply this: step up your engagement,” said the UN chief.

Empower the Lebanese State and support the Lebanese Armed Forces to secure the capabilities and resources they need.”

He called for countries to respond generously to the UN flash humanitarian appeal in aid of the Government-led response.

“The people of Lebanon – as well as Israel and all other peoples throughout the region – deserve to live without fear, to raise their children without the sound of sirens and strikes. To return home without wondering when they have to flee again.”

The UN on the ground is working tirelessly to support Lebanon’s people and institutions, the Secretary-General underlined: “Together, we will spare no effort in striving for the peaceful future that Lebanon and this region so richly deserve,” he said.