Beirut: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “unequivocally condemned” Israel’s strikes across Lebanon, warning of a rising civilian toll and risks to regional ceasefire efforts. In a statement Wednesday, Guterres said the April 8 strikes resulted in hundreds of civilians being killed and injured, including children, and caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure. He expressed deep alarm over the mounting number of civilian casualties and strongly condemned the loss of life.

According to Anadolu Agency, the UN chief extended his condolences to the government and people of Lebanon and wished a swift recovery to those injured. He warned that with the announcement of the ceasefire between Iran and the United States, the ongoing military activity in Lebanon poses a grave risk to the ceasefire and the efforts toward a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region. The statement also reiterated the Secretary-General’s call for all parties to immediately cease hostilities.

Guterres emphasized the need to uphold international law, including international humanitarian law, stressing that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times and that attacks targeting them are unacceptable. He further noted that there is no military solution to the conflict and urged all sides to pursue diplomatic channels and recommit to the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

The backdrop to these developments includes Iran and the US announcing a two-week truce on Tuesday aimed at paving the way for a final agreement to end the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, which has resulted in numerous casualties. The ceasefire announcement came shortly before the expiration of a deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept an agreement or face severe consequences.