UN Chief Guterres Calls for Diplomacy Over Military Solution in Lebanon

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The United Nations Secretary-General has visited Lebanon to launch a flash appeal for $325 million to support internally displaced persons. Antonio Guterres stated that the Lebanese people have been “dragged into” war and called for an end to fighting.

Guterres warned that southern Beirut, under evacuation orders by Israel, risks being bombed to oblivion. He also emphasized that there is no military solution, only diplomacy. The UN chief expressed concern over the situation in south Lebanon, stating that any action not creating enough security for civilians would be in violation of international humanitarian law.

The Israeli army has issued sweeping evacuation orders to residents of south Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs as it continues its assault on the areas. The UN Interim Force remains in position, with peacekeepers engaging with all actors around the clock to bring parties to the table.

Lebanon is preparing a delegation for talks with Israel, with high-level consultations taking place to form a negotiating team. An official source confirmed that a delegation will be formed at ambassadorial level, with Cyprus as a likely venue for negotiations. The Lebanese presidency is working to ensure representation of all factions in the delegation.

The US has not yet responded to European calls for a ceasefire before negotiations. French President Emmanuel Macron offered to host negotiations in Paris, warning that “everything must be done to prevent Lebanon from descending into chaos.”

Meanwhile, Israel’s Haaretz newspaper reported that US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner would be involved in talks with the Israeli delegation. The negotiations are expected to focus on ending fighting in Lebanon and disarming the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

Separately, Al Jazeera reported that Israel plans to meet on Saturday night to discuss a possible ground invasion of southern Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera