The United Nations expressed profound concern yesterday regarding the Israeli military’s assault on densely populated areas in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric called on both parties to exercise maximum restraint and urged against further escalation of tensions. He emphasized that all parties are obligated to adhere to international law. Dujarric stressed the need for full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and called for an immediate end to the conflict.
On Monday, an Israeli airstrike targeted the “Haret Hreik” area in southern Beirut, resulting in the deaths of three individuals—a woman and two children—and injuring 74 others. Most of the injured have been treated, with 65 having been discharged from hospitals while 9 remain hospitalized, five of whom are in critical condition. Rescue operations are ongoing to search for missing persons.
The Israeli military stated that it had carried out a “targeted attack” on a leader of the Lebanese group Hezbollah.
In recent days, there have been growing expectations of a significant Israeli escalation following the death of 12 people on Saturday due to a missile strike in Majdal Shams, a town in the Golan Heights, which has been occupied by Israel since 1967.
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has called for Lebanese unity and solidarity in response to the Israeli assault on the southern suburbs. He has demanded immediate and complete implementation of Resolution 1701 and stated that the bombing represents an attack on peace efforts. Mikati made these comments at the start of a Cabinet meeting held yesterday morning at the Grand Serail.
Mikati further stated, “We will remain in constant contact with Lebanon’s friends to prevent the situation from worsening and to address the severe dangers that could have significant repercussions.”
Yesterday, Lebanon announced its intention to file a new complaint against Israel with the UN Security Council and revealed a government plan to address potential large-scale displacement if the escalation continues.
Following the Cabinet meeting, Information Minister Ziad Makari held a press conference, announcing that “Cabinet sessions will remain open.” He added, “We do not want war, and the government’s efforts are focused on diplomacy. The government’s plan is ready in case of significant displacement in Lebanon,” though he did not provide further details. Minister Makari also mentioned that submitting a complaint to the Security Council has become a traditional and serious diplomatic effort to prevent further escalation.
