UN chief Guterres says no military solution, only diplomacy' for Lebanon

"There is no military solution, only diplomacy. Whatever does not create enough security for civilians inevitably becomes in violation of international humanitarian law. The south [of Lebanon] risks becoming a wasteland. Southern Beirut, which is under sweeping evacuation orders by Israel, risks being bombed to oblivion."

"Guterres is visiting the country to launch a flash appeal for $325m to support the 800,000 plus people who have been internally displaced since Lebanon was dragged into the Middle East war on March 2, when Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the US-Israeli killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei."

"The UN chief's visit came as high-level Lebanese consultations took place to form a negotiating delegation for talks with Israel. Guterres said that a UN special coordinator was engaging with all actors around the clock to bring the parties to the table and that peacekeepers with the UN Interim Force remain in position."

UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited Lebanon to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from escalating conflict with Israel. He launched a $325 million flash appeal to support over 800,000 internally displaced people since Hezbollah's March 2 attack on Israel. Guterres emphasized that military solutions are impossible and only diplomacy can resolve the conflict. He warned that Israel's evacuation orders covering 14 percent of Lebanese territory risk violating international humanitarian law if they fail to provide adequate civilian security. Meanwhile, Lebanon's government formed a negotiating delegation for talks with Israel. The UN maintains peacekeeping forces in the region while coordinating diplomatic efforts among all parties.

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