UN Security Council warns of escalating violence in Lebanon

NEW YORK: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened to discuss the escalating situation in Lebanon, with officials warning that the ongoing violence in the Middle East could spiral into a catastrophic conflict.

The UN Political Affairs Chief Rosemary De Carlo addressed the council. She stressed the potential for a major conflagration involving Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah.

Read more: Prospects for a Gaza ceasefire dim even as US keeps hope

De Carlo cautioned that the region was at a critical juncture. “We are in danger of an upheaval in which destruction and suggesting will be greater than ever before!”

She urged UN member states with influence to leverage diplomacy to prevent further escalation. “There is  still room for diplomacy”.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister of Lebanon Abdallah Bou Habib also spoke at the security council, highlighting the pervasive sense of insecurity. “After explosions through communication devices, no one is safe in the world anymore!”

Abdallah Bou Habib reiterated that Lebanon desired justice rather than revenge, calling for a measured response to the ongoing violence. His statements shed light on the fear and apprehension of the average Lebanese as Israel bombardment escalated to their country as well.

Read more: Senior Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil, others killed in Beirut strike

The UNSC’s discussion come amidst rising tensions and Israeli violence, with concerns that the conflict could escalate further if diplomatic efforts were not prioritised.

The UN said it was ‘monitoring’ the situation closely, while advocating fro ‘peaceful’ resolution to prevent a humanitarian crisis.