UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of cross-border strikes between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement.
The exchange of fire, which began on Sunday, involved Israeli jets targeting sites in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah launching rockets and drones at Israel.
Both sides claim they were acting in self-defense, with Israel citing a pre-emptive strike to prevent a larger attack and Hezbollah responding to the assassination of a senior commander.
The UN chief warned that the actions of both parties put civilians at risk and threaten regional security and stability.
The US has stated it is working to prevent further escalation, and both sides have indicated they do not seek a wider conflict.
The recent hostilities are part of a larger context of tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, which have been ongoing since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza on October 7.
Hezbollah has stated it is acting in support of the Palestinian group, and both are backed by Iran.
According to reports, the recent exchanges have resulted in significant casualties and displacement on both sides, with Lebanon’s health ministry reporting over 560 deaths and Israel reporting 26 civilian and 24 soldier fatalities.
Almost 200,000 people have been displaced across the border.
Despite the rhetoric, both Israel and Hezbollah have stated they do not desire war, but are prepared for it.
The situation remains volatile, with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah warning of potential further responses if the current situation is deemed insufficient.”\
