UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned world leaders on Tuesday that Lebanon is “on the brink” as clashes between Israel and Hezbollah intensify. This warning comes amid reports from Lebanese authorities stating that Israeli strikes have resulted in the deaths of 558 individuals, including 50 children.
Guterres emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We should all be alarmed by the escalation. Lebanon is at the brink.” As leaders gathered in Manhattan for the UN’s annual event, which is a highlight of the diplomatic calendar, the focus shifted from the situation in Gaza to the escalating violence in Lebanon.
France, a UN Security Council member, called for an emergency meeting to address the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, warned that the region is “almost in a full-fledged war.”
The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has reiterated its opposition to a full-scale ground invasion of Lebanon, with a senior US official promising to present “concrete” ideas for de-escalation at the UN.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, which has faced relentless Israeli attacks since October 2023, have so far failed. Guterres cautioned against the possibility of Lebanon becoming “another Gaza.” Richard Gowan from the International Crisis Group stated that leaders are likely to express concerns about the UN’s diminishing relevance if it fails to facilitate peace.
Over 100 heads of state and government are scheduled to speak at the UN event, which runs until Monday. Guterres noted, “International challenges are moving faster than our ability to solve them,” highlighting the deep divisions within the global body following the October 7 attack by Hamas.
This week, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are expected to address the General Assembly, potentially leading to heightened tensions. Representatives from Turkey, Jordan, Qatar, Iran, and Algeria will also press for a Gaza ceasefire during their speeches.
Additionally, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to address a UN Security Council meeting, urging continued support for a just and peaceful future amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.
