United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned new Israeli strikes on Beirut, which occurred amid crucial ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran.
Guterres Condemns Israeli Strikes
In a post on X, Guterres stated: 'I strongly condemn today's Israeli strikes on Beirut. The strikes took place despite the ceasefire & at a time when the US & Iran are expected to reach an agreement that will pave the way to a peaceful resolution of this conflict.' He added that the conflict is having a devastating impact on the world economy.
Guterres urged all parties to show maximum restraint at this crucial moment and expressed strong hope for a successful outcome of the ongoing efforts by the US and Iran.
Call for Diplomatic Settlement
On Thursday, Guterres emphasized that all parties must work toward a diplomatic settlement that fully respects the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of Lebanon. He also called for a comprehensive ceasefire and expressed full support for a monopoly on weapons by the Lebanese government.
Ceasefire Violation
On Sunday, Israel struck Beirut's southern suburbs for the second time in a week, in response to what it said was Hezbollah fire at northern Israel. The Israeli military also carried out broader strikes on southern Lebanon. This latest escalation came despite expectations that a deal between the United States and Iran to end the Middle East war could be imminent. Tehran insists that a ceasefire in Lebanon must be part of any agreement.
Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported that a strike hit an apartment in the Ghobeiry neighbourhood of Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold known as Dahiyeh.
Ongoing Talks
In April, Israel and Lebanon began landmark direct talks in Washington seeking to halt hostilities, with a fifth round scheduled later this month. The two countries have no formal diplomatic relations. Neither Israel nor Hezbollah has respected a ceasefire announced in April after the first round.
