UN 'strongly condemns' Israeli strikes in Lebanon

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

NEW YORK CITY: The United Nations has unequivocally condemned massive Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon on Wednesday, stating that the escalation poses a ‘grave risk’ to the newly established regional ceasefire. This enforcement of international standards is being highlighted by the European Union, which has joined global calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities to protect the fragile truce between the United States and Iran.

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, issued a statement through his spokesperson strongly condemning the loss of civilian lives and expressed deep alarm at the mounting toll. The strikes, which hit Beirut and other regions, resulted in at least 254 deaths and more than 1,150 injuries in what has been described as the most intense bombardment since the conflict escalated in early March.

According to UN reports, the Israeli military carried out over 100 airstrikes in approximately 10 minutes, overwhelming local hospitals and forcing thousands to flee without warning. UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq emphasised that the current US-Iran ceasefire offers a critical opportunity to prevent further loss of life between Lebanon and Israel. He urged all parties to abandon military solutions and recommit to the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701.

The European Commission remains concerned that continued military activity will undermine diplomatic efforts and worsen the humanitarian crisis, which has already displaced 1.2 million people in Lebanon. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk described the scale of destruction as ‘horrific,’ warning that such carnage defies belief coming just hours after the announcement of a regional truce.