UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Beirut on Saturday to insist that diplomatic channels remain open to end the escalating war in Lebanon, urging the international community to support the country as the death toll climbs and displacement reaches a critical level.
Diplomatic Solutions Over Military Action
Guterres emphasized that a military solution does not exist for the current crisis between Israel and Hezbollah. “There is no military solution, only diplomacy,” the UN chief stated during his visit. He confirmed that the UN and key member states are actively pursuing de-escalation strategies to stop hostilities immediately.
“The diplomatic avenues are available, including through my special coordinator for Lebanon… and through key member states,” Guterres added. He launched a $325 million humanitarian appeal to support the hundreds of thousands of people fleeing Israeli evacuation orders.
Despite the diplomatic push, Israeli strikes continued across Lebanon while Hezbollah targeted northern Israel. The Lebanese health ministry reports that the death toll since early March has reached 826 people, including over 100 children. Furthermore, recent strikes hit a healthcare center in the south, resulting in the deaths of several doctors and paramedics.
Israel’s military claims that Hezbollah uses medical facilities and ambulances for military purposes, a charge the Lebanese government denies. An Israeli spokesman warned that the military will act against any facility used by militants in accordance with international law.
Rising Fear in Beirut Suburbs
Warfare has now reached areas previously considered safe, such as the Armenian-Lebanese community in Burj Hammoud. “All the neighbours are afraid,” local resident Levon Ghazalian told reporters after a strike hit a nearby apartment building. Consequently, many residents now sleep in their cars because they feel no safety remains within their own homes.
French President Emmanuel Macron recently offered to host direct negotiations in Paris to prevent Lebanon from descending into total chaos. The Lebanese government appears ready to engage in these talks, provided that international partners step up their engagement quickly.
Ultimately, Guterres remains focused on empowering the Lebanese state and its army to restore order and implement lasting peace.
