UN Calls for Ceasefire Amid Escalating Conflict in Gaza and Lebanon
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflicts in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. Speaking at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, on October 24, 2024, Guterres emphasized the necessity of achieving a just peace in these regions, alongside other global conflicts such as those in Sudan and Ukraine. He highlighted that this call aligns with the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.
Concerns Over Targeting of UN Peacekeepers
In his remarks, Guterres condemned Israel's military operations, particularly the targeting of UN peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL) in Lebanon, which he stated could constitute a war crime. He called for respect for the sovereignty of states and the protection of civilians, urging that civilian infrastructure should not be targeted. The Secretary-General's statements come in light of Israel's intensified military actions, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement in Lebanon.
Humanitarian Impact of the Conflict
The violence has led to a staggering toll in Lebanon, with reports indicating over 2,574 deaths and approximately 12,000 injuries, including many women and children. The ongoing conflict has also displaced more than 1.34 million individuals, with the majority of these figures recorded since late September. Guterres's call for an immediate ceasefire is accompanied by demands for the implementation of Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701, aimed at stabilizing the region and protecting civilians.
