United Nations (TDI): UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday warned that escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah risk pushing Lebanon toward devastation similar to that seen in Gaza.
“The Gaza model must not be replicated in Lebanon,” Guterres told reporters, describing the broader Middle East conflict as “out of control” after weeks of strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
He said civilians across the region are bearing the brunt of the violence. “People are enduring serious harm and living under profound insecurity,” he noted, referring to observations from his recent visit to Lebanon.
Calling for immediate de-escalation, Guterres urged both sides to halt attacks. “Hezbollah must stop launching strikes into Israel, and Israel must cease its military operations in Lebanon, which are hitting civilians the hardest,” he said.
The UN chief also voiced concern over the wider regional fallout following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, warning that the conflict risks spiralling into a broader war with severe humanitarian and economic consequences.
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To strengthen diplomatic efforts, he announced the appointment of French diplomat Jean Arnault as special envoy to coordinate the UN response to the crisis.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continued across Lebanon, with fresh attacks reported in Beirut’s southern suburbs and several areas in the south, according to local media.
Lebanon’s health ministry said at least nine people were killed in multiple strikes, including in the Sidon area and a nearby Palestinian refugee camp. Among the victims were two paramedics.
Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem rejected the prospect of talks under ongoing attacks, saying negotiations conducted under fire would amount to surrender.
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International criticism also intensified, with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez accusing Israel of seeking to replicate in Lebanon the destruction witnessed in Gaza. He warned of the broader economic fallout, saying the conflict is already impacting global markets and household finances.
As fighting continues, concerns are mounting that Lebanon could be drawn deeper into a widening regional conflict, despite growing international calls for restraint.
