UN chief condemns Israel strikes in Lebanon

António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, has strongly condemned Israel’s large-scale strikes across Lebanon carried out on April 8, urging all parties to immediately halt hostilities.

In an official statement, Guterres expressed grave concern over the escalating violence, highlighting that the attacks have resulted in significant civilian casualties, including women and children. He noted that hundreds of people have been killed or injured, while critical civilian infrastructure has also suffered extensive damage.

The UN chief warned that continued military operations risk further destabilising an already volatile region. He emphasised that the ongoing escalation could undermine ceasefire efforts and derail broader diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.

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“Military solutions cannot resolve this conflict,” Guterres stressed, reiterating the United Nations’ long-standing position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward.

The statement also underscored growing humanitarian concerns, as repeated strikes have intensified the suffering of civilians and placed additional strain on emergency services and healthcare systems in Lebanon. Aid agencies have warned that prolonged violence could worsen displacement and deepen the humanitarian crisis.

Guterres called on all sides to exercise maximum restraint and adhere to international humanitarian law, particularly the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. He urged the international community to support renewed diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further loss of life.

The condemnation comes at a critical time when regional stability remains fragile, with fears that continued hostilities could spill over into a wider conflict. The United Nations has reiterated its commitment to supporting peace efforts and facilitating dialogue among all stakeholders to restore calm and stability.