UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that Lebanon must not become another Gaza, stressing that international efforts are underway to secure a temporary ceasefire and deliver much-needed humanitarian aid. Speaking during an emergency session of the UN Security Council (UNSC) on the ongoing developments in Lebanon, Guterres emphasized the urgent need to avoid a full-scale conflict in the region.
“Despite the dangerous conditions, our peacekeepers remain in position,” Guterres said, calling on the Security Council to work together to extinguish the escalating violence. He urged all parties involved to halt the bloodshed, de-escalate tensions, and avoid what he described as an impending “all-out catastrophe.”
“To all sides, let us say in one clear voice: Stop the killing and destruction. Tone down the rhetoric and threats. Step back from the brink. An all-out war must be avoided at all costs,” Guterres implored.
As violence continues to surge, Guterres reiterated that the UN remains committed to peacekeeping operations in Lebanon and supports diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire that could open the door to more permanent peace talks. “Many lives have been lost. All this must stop,” he added.
During the same UNSC session, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf condemned the aggression against Lebanon, labeling it as part of Israel’s broader policy of escalation. Attaf argued that Israel’s occupation strategy has fueled instability across multiple fronts in the Middle East.
“The Israeli occupation is no longer satisfied with the genocidal war it is committing against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank,” Attaf stated, accusing Israel of extending its aggression to neighboring countries and worsening regional crises. He urged the UNSC to take decisive action, stating that security and stability in the Middle East should not be “hostage to the delusions of the Israeli occupation.”
The emergency session underscores growing international concern over the deteriorating situation in Lebanon, with fears mounting that the conflict could spiral into a larger regional war. As diplomatic efforts intensify, the UNSC faces pressure to mediate a resolution and prevent further loss of life.
The situation remains tense as peacekeepers continue their operations amid escalating violence, while international actors call for an urgent ceasefire and a pathway to sustained peace in the region.