The Lebanese do not choose a war
“The Lebanese people did not choose this war. They were dragged there.”he continued.
“The war must stop”said the UN chief, stressing that there is no military solution to the continuing conflict in the Middle East, only a diplomatic solution in accordance with the UN Charter.
He acknowledged the impact on both sides of the Blue Line separating southern Lebanon from northern Israel, which is patrolled by the UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, under a Security Council mandate.
Israelis have fled to shelters from Hezbollah rockets, while hundreds of Lebanese have died “including many children.”
More than 800,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in the southern conflict zone and in areas under attack in the Hezbollah stronghold south of Beirut, following general Israeli evacuation orders.
Visit to the shelter
“I was deeply saddened by the testimonies of the displaced people I visited today in a shelter.”Guterres said.
He noted that a cessation of hostilities agreement between Lebanon and Israel just over a year ago did not end the simmering violence, with Hezbollah and Israeli forces violating the terms of the ceasefire.
The UN chief paid tribute to the bravery of UNIFIL peacekeepers who have come under attack in recent days: “Attacks on peacekeepers and their positions are completely unacceptable and must stop.”
Guterres praised the Lebanese government’s historic decision last August to establish an “arms monopoly,” adding that Hezbollah militants must comply with it and all other Security Council resolutions to hand over their weapons.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres visits a Ghanaian peacekeeper at the hospital serving in the UNIFIL mission and who was injured after being attacked during the renewed conflict in southern Lebanon.
International message
“Finally, my message to the international community is simply this: intensify your commitment”said the UN chief.
Empower the Lebanese State and support the Lebanese Armed Forces to ensure the capabilities and resources they need.”
He called on countries to respond generously to the UN’s urgent humanitarian appeal in aid of the Government-led response.
“The people of Lebanon – as well as Israel and all other people in the region – deserve to live without fear, to raise their children without the sound of sirens and strikes.. Return home without wondering when they will have to flee again.”
The UN on the ground is working tirelessly to support the people and institutions of Lebanon, the Secretary-General stressed: “Together, we will spare no effort to fight for the peaceful future that Lebanon and this region so deserve,” he said.