UN chief demands Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon amid Nabatieh escalation

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the escalation of Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, citing mounting civilian casualties, including women and children, and widespread destruction in Nabatieh District. He highlighted the distress caused by evacuation orders and restrictions on humanitarian access, particularly affecting hospitals and public institutions. Guterres reiterated the need for all parties to comply with international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and halt hostilities immediately.

In a statement, the Secretary-General called on Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory and urged respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity under Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). He emphasized the UN’s commitment to ending violence, protecting civilians, and advancing a lasting solution to the conflict. The UN also expressed deep concern over the sharp escalation in Nabatieh, where local authorities reported 5,000 families—about 20,000 people—displaced last week.

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric briefed journalists in New York, noting the UN’s alarm over the weekend’s surge in violence, including reports of children among the casualties. He stressed the need for full respect for international humanitarian law, including the protection of healthcare workers and civilian infrastructure, and called for unimpeded humanitarian access to affected areas.

UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping force, reported a sharp rise in Israeli military activity between Thursday and Monday, including 528 projectiles fired by the Israel Defense Forces and 62 airspace violations on Sunday alone. The Mission documented ground operations, airstrikes, and Lebanese airspace violations, while also noting roadblocks hindering its movement. UNIFIL facilitated 13 humanitarian missions in coordination with OCHA during this period.