The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the mounting loss of life in the fighting between the Israeli Defense Forces and Hezbollah, underscoring the harm inflicted on civilians as hostilities widen across the region. He noted that the toll on civilian life has grown as the conflict has intensified since last autumn, when Israel launched a major offensive in Gaza in response to attacks attributed to Hamas. In his remarks, the secretary-general urged restraint and accountability from all actors and reaffirmed the obligation to protect civilians, to spare civilian infrastructure, and to comply with international humanitarian law. The secretary-general’s office stressed that there is no military solution to a crisis that endangers so many innocent people, and that any escalation risks destabilizing Lebanon, the Gaza Strip, and the broader region. The UN continues to monitor the situation closely and to advocate for the protection of non-combatants, the preservation of essential civilian services, and the safeguarding of humanitarian access for those in need. The statement underscored that the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure is a shared responsibility under international law and that all parties must uphold these duties even in the heat of battle.
Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the United Nations, described the widening impact of the clashes between the Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants on Lebanon’s civilian population as a matter of grave concern. He appealed to all parties involved to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in line with obligations under international humanitarian law, and he urged immediate steps to reduce suffering. The message highlighted the necessity of avoiding harm to hospitals, clinics, schools, water and electricity networks, markets, and other critical services that sustain daily life. It called for unhindered humanitarian access and the establishment of safe passages for aid convoys, medicines, and relief supplies. The UN reiterated its readiness to coordinate with partners on relief operations, to support humanitarian corridors, and to help ensure that aid reaches communities cut off by violence. It also stressed the importance of reporting violations, supporting investigations where possible, and reaffirming the global commitment to the rights and dignity of civilians. In the days ahead, the United Nations will continue to work with regional authorities, humanitarian agencies, and international partners to assess needs on the ground, deliver life-saving assistance, and advocate for a political climate that reduces tension and opens pathways to dialogue and reconciliation. Through its field offices, the world body remains vigilant about the evolving situation, prepared to mobilize resources, and determined to stand with those who bear the heaviest burden of this conflict, including families displaced from their homes, children deprived of education, and communities facing the collapse of essential services.