Beirut: The Lebanese people did not choose a war but "they were dragged into it," the UN chief said on Friday during a visit to the capital Beirut amid continuing attacks by Israel. "I have just landed in Beirut for a visit of solidarity with the people of Lebanon," Antonio Guterres wrote on the US social media company X. "They did not choose this war. They were dragged into it." He pledged to "spare no effort" in working for the peaceful future that Lebanon and the region "so richly deserve."

According to Anadolu Agency, Guterres's visit comes amid frequent exchanges of weapons fire between the Lebanese group Hezbollah and Israel. These hostilities have intensified as Tel Aviv expanded its operations in Lebanon since March 2, amid broader regional tensions. The conflict has roots in the joint attacks launched by Israel and the US on Iran on February 28, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has responded to these attacks with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. The escalating conflict has placed Lebanon in a precarious position, with its people caught in the crossfire of regional hostilities. Guterres's visit underscores the international community's concern and its commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution for the region.