UN Secretary-General Calls for Civilian Safety and Ceasefire in Southern Lebanon

Paris: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the safety of civilians along the UN-drawn "blue line" in southern Lebanon, highlighting the escalating nature of the conflict. According to Kuwait News Agency, Guterres delivered these remarks during an international conference in Paris aimed at supporting Lebanon. He emphasized the dire humanitarian situation, noting that over 2,300 people have been killed in Lebanon, with 50 casualties reported on the opposing side since the intensified strikes began on September 23. More than half of these deaths have occurred in Lebanon. Guterres called for an "immediate ceasefire" and urged the full implementation of Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701 to protect civilians and the country's infrastructure. He stressed the importance of adhering to international law and called on Lebanon's allies to increase their humanitarian support, including funding and aid. He further condemned attacks on UN peacekeepers, labeling them "totall y unacceptable" and a potential violation of international law that could amount to war crimes.