UN chief calls for de-escalation between Lebanon, Israel

United Nations Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres on Monday called for an immediate de-escalation and for all efforts to be devoted to reaching a diplomatic solution between Lebanon and Israel. According to a statement issued on his behalf, Guterres expressed his "deep concern about the escalating situation along the Blue Line and the large number of civilian casualties, including children and women, reported by the Lebanese authorities, as well as thousands of displaced people, amid Israel's most intense bombing campaign since last October." The Secretary-General urged the parties to recommit to the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 and to immediately return to a cessation of hostilities to restore stability. Source: Jordan News Agency