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UN Secretary-General António Guterres meets families who have been displaced by the conflict in a shelter in Dekweneh in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. In Beirut, Guterres demands end to Middle East war: Civilians ‘deserve to live without fear’ Peace and Security <\/p>\n
The UN Secretary-General on Saturday called on the international community to intensify support for the Government and people of Lebanon, warning that the south of the country “risks being turned into a wasteland.” <\/p>\n
Speaking to reporters in the capital Beirut following two weeks of widespread destruction triggered by the US and Israeli bombing of Iran, António Guterres noted that Hezbollah rocket fire into Israel in support of Tehran had been followed by a “devastating” Israeli bombing campaign which is “ rendering large portions of Lebanon uninhabitable <\/strong> .” <\/p>\n “ The Lebanese people did not choose this war. They were dragged into it <\/strong> ,” he continued. <\/p>\n “ The war must stop <\/strong>,” the UN chief said, underscoring that there is no military solution to the conflict continuing across the Middle East, only a diplomatic one in line with the UN Charter. mandate. <\/p>\n Israelis have fled to shelters in the face of Hezbollah rockets, while hundreds of Lebanese have been killed “including many children.” <\/p>\n Well over 800,000 have been forced to flee their homes in the southern conflict zone and areas targeted in the Hezbollah stronghold of southern Beirut, following blanket Israeli evacuation orders. <\/p>\n “ I was deeply saddened by the testimonies of the displaced people that I visited in a shelter today <\/strong> ,” said Mr. Guterres. <\/p>\n He noted that a cessation of hostilities agreement between Lebanon and Israel of just over a year ago, did not see an end to simmering violence, with both Hezbollah and Israeli forces violating ceasefire terms. and positions are completely unacceptable and they must stop .” <\/p>\n Mr. Guterres praised the Lebanese Government’s historic decision last August to establish a “monopoly of arms”, adding that Hezbollah militants must abide by it and all other Security Council resolutions to hand over their weapons. <\/p>\n UN Secretary-General António Guterres visits a Ghanaian peacekeeper in hospital serving with the UNIFIL mission who was injured after coming under fire during the renewed conflict in southern Lebanon. <\/p>\n “Finally, my message to the international community is simply this: step up your engagement <\/strong>“said the UN chief. <\/p>\n Empower the Lebanese State and support the Lebanese Armed Forces to secure the capabilities and resources they need.” <\/p>\n He called for countries to respond generously to the UN flash humanitarian appeal in aid of the Government-led response. <\/p>\n “ The people of Lebanon – as well as Israel and all other peoples throughout the region – deserve to live without fear, to raise their children without the sound of sirens and strikes <\/strong> . To return home without wondering when they have to flee again.” <\/p>\n The UN on the ground is working tirelessly to support Lebanon’s people and institutions, the Secretary-General underlined: “Together, we will spare no effort in striving for the peaceful future that Lebanon and this region so richly deserve,” he said. <\/p>\n No war of choice for Lebanese <\/strong> <\/h2>\n
Shelter visit <\/strong> <\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n International message <\/strong> <\/h2>\n