Speaking in Beirut on Friday, Guterres said the ongoing conflict has caused serious hardship for the people of Lebanon. He made the appeal after meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun during a surprise visit described as a show of solidarity with the country.
The UN chief said Lebanon has been drawn into a war that its people did not want, and stressed the need for a political solution that will allow the country to maintain its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Guterres also expressed deep concern over the growing humanitarian crisis, saying the scale of suffering among civilians is heartbreaking.
The latest fighting between Israel and Hezbollah began on March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets and drones into northern Israel. The attack followed the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint United States and Israeli strike two days earlier.
Israel responded with a series of heavy airstrikes and ground operations, capturing several positions in southern Lebanon.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, Israeli strikes since March 2 have killed at least 687 people and injured more than 1,700 others.
The United Nations also reports that the fighting has forced around 800,000 people in Lebanon to flee their homes.
Diplomatic efforts are continuing as international leaders call for an end to the violence.
