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UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited Beirut on Saturday, emphasising that a diplomatic resolution is the only viable path to ending the intensifying conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
During his “solidarity visit,” Guterres called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, noting that Lebanon has been “dragged” into a regional war its people did not choose.
He highlighted that existing diplomatic channels, including those through the UN special coordinator and key member states, remain open and must be utilised to prevent the country from descending into further chaos.
The humanitarian situation has reached a critical point, with Lebanon’s health ministry reporting that the death toll since March 2 has climbed to 826, including over 100 children.
In response, Guterres launched a $325 million flash appeal to provide life-saving aid—such as food, clean water, and healthcare—to the more than 800,000 people displaced by Israeli evacuation orders.
The UN chief also paid tribute to the 31 paramedics killed this month, condemning strikes on healthcare workers and facilities as unacceptable violations of international law.
While Guterres pushed for peace, the military situation on the ground remained volatile.
Israel continued its aerial campaign, striking over 100 command centres and residential areas, including a rare attack on the Burj Hammoud district outside of traditional Hezbollah strongholds.
Simultaneously, a UN peacekeeper was injured by gunfire at a position in southern Lebanon, prompting an official investigation.
Despite the escalation, international leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron have joined the call for negotiations, offering to host direct talks in Paris to restore Lebanese sovereignty.
