UN Secretary-General's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric held a press conference at the headquarters in New York regarding the escalating situation in the Middle East.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the spokesperson highlighted the intensification of military operations by the Israeli army, particularly in Southern Lebanon and the Western Bekaa province.
Dujarric noted that according to the latest data, more than 2,000 people have lost their lives, and over 6,500 individuals have been injured. The number of missing persons continues to rise. He urged all parties to immediately cease military operations and utilize diplomatic channels to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
The official representative also drew attention to other incidents occurring in the region. Israeli military personnel reportedly attempted to obstruct the movement of a UN convoy in Lebanon and fired warning shots at UNIFIL positions. According to UNICEF, at least 18 incidents damaging water systems across the country have been recorded. Civilian infrastructure, including reservoirs, pumping stations, and main water lines, has sustained serious damage.
The spokesperson called on all parties to respect UN peacekeepers, healthcare workers, and civilians to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need without hindrance. The ongoing conflict has sparked international concern regarding the humanitarian crisis in the region, with global leaders calling for a de-escalation of violence to prevent further loss of life in Lebanon and the broader Middle East.
UN Security Council Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006, was intended to resolve the 2006 Lebanon War by calling for a permanent ceasefire based on the creation of a buffer zone. The current escalation marks one of the most significant challenges to regional stability in recent years, prompting urgent diplomatic efforts at the United Nations to restore peace and security along the Blue Line.
