United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned Israel’s latest strikes on Beirut, warning that the attacks could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East.
In a statement shared on X, Guterres criticized the strikes for taking place despite an existing ceasefire and at a time when the United States and Iran are reportedly close to reaching an agreement that could help resolve the broader regional conflict.
He stressed that the current situation remains highly sensitive and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint. According to Guterres, a successful outcome from the ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran could pave the way for greater regional stability and peace.
Furthermore, the UN chief warned that continued escalation could have severe consequences beyond the Middle East. He noted that the conflict is already having damaging effects on the global economy and called for urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent further deterioration.
Earlier, Guterres emphasized that all stakeholders must work toward a political solution that fully respects the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of Lebanon. He also reiterated his support for a comprehensive ceasefire and backed the principle that weapons should remain under the exclusive control of the Lebanese state.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated further on Sunday when Israel carried out strikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs for the second time in a week. Israeli authorities said the operation responded to alleged Hezbollah fire toward northern Israel. At the same time, the Israeli military launched broader attacks across southern Lebanon.
According to Lebanese media reports, one strike targeted an apartment in the Ghobeiry neighborhood of Beirut’s southern suburbs, an area widely regarded as a Hezbollah stronghold.
The latest violence comes despite expectations that a potential US-Iran agreement could help reduce hostilities in the region. Israel and Lebanon have also been engaged in direct talks under US mediation since April. However, repeated violations have prevented the ceasefire from holding, raising concerns about further instability.
