The UN chief’s statement, issued on Wednesday, highlighted the devastating human cost of the April 8 attacks, which left hundreds of civilians dead or wounded, including children, and inflicted widespread damage on civilian infrastructure.
Guterres expressed profound sorrow over the mounting civilian casualties and firmly rejected the loss of innocent lives, extending his condolences to the Lebanese government and people while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
The statement underscored that Israel’s ongoing military aggressions in Lebanon pose a serious threat to the recently announced Iran-US truce—a two-week ceasefire aimed at paving the way for a final agreement to end the US-Israel war on Iran, which began on February 28.
“The Secretary General reiterates his urgent call for all parties to immediately cease hostilities,” the statement emphasized, warning that continued violence could sabotage the fragile path toward lasting peace.
Guterres stressed the obligation of all parties to uphold international law, particularly international humanitarian law, which mandates the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. He labeled attacks on non-combatants as “unacceptable” and reiterated that “there is no military solution” to the conflict.
Instead, he urged all sides to prioritize diplomatic channels and fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for a cessation of hostilities and respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty.