Rosemary Anne DiCarlo, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, condemned the global community’s collective failure to stop the escalation of conflict and bloodshed in Lebanon, stating that the region is now dangerously close to a comprehensive war.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council session, DiCarlo emphasized the urgent need for parties to seize diplomatic opportunities instead of resorting to arms. She highlighted the necessity for the Lebanese government to maintain control over all arms within its territory and urged leaders to take decisive steps to address the longstanding political stalemate in Beirut.
The UK Ambassador to the UN, Barbara Woodward, expressed concerns about the devastating humanitarian consequences of the conflict, particularly for vulnerable groups in Lebanon who are unable to move freely or face significant challenges in doing so. Woodward stressed that all parties must do everything in their power to protect civilians and fully comply with international humanitarian law.
Furthermore, Ambassador Woodward highlighted Iran’s destabilizing role across the Middle East through its support for militias, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. She called for an immediate cessation of Iranian attacks on Israel and support for its militias to prevent worsening the already tragic humanitarian situation.
“The only way to restore sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stability in Lebanon is through a political solution in line with Resolution 1701,” Woodward affirmed.
Meanwhile, French Ambassador to the UN, Nicolas de Rivière, told the council that the situation in Lebanon remains severe and has shown no signs of improvement since their last meeting, emphasizing the heavy toll on civilian populations due to hostilities.
