UN calls for urgent ceasefire in southern Lebanon

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has renewed his call for an urgent ceasefire across the Blue Line in southern Lebanon.

A statement attributable to Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, stated that Guterres remains gravely concerned that the exchanges of fire have not only ravaged communities close to the Blue Line but have also impacted deeper into the territories of both Lebanon and Israel, with the use of increasingly destructive weapons.

He added that these exchanges of fire could trigger a broader conflict with devastating consequences for the region.

“Hundreds of lives have already been lost, tens of thousands of people have been displaced, and homes and livelihoods destroyed on both sides of the Blue Line. Bushfires sparked by explosions are further devasting communities and the environment,” the statement added.

The Secretary-General urged the parties to recommit to the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and immediately return to a cessation of hostilities.

The United Nations supports all diplomatic and political efforts to end the violence.