New York, Sept 21 (V7N) - The risk to security and stability, not only in Lebanon but across the broader Middle East, is at its most severe, warned the United Nations' top political official on Friday September 20, 2024. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, addressed the Security Council, expressing grave concern over the escalating conflict between Lebanon and Israel. The clashes, which have persisted for nearly a year along the Blue Line, have seen a significant rise in both scope and intensity.
 
DiCarlo reported that in recent months, strikes have penetrated deeper into both Lebanese and Israeli territories, displacing tens of thousands of civilians and causing numerous casualties. Damage to homes, essential civilian infrastructure, and agricultural land has further exacerbated the humanitarian toll on both sides of the conflict.
 
"The risk of further escalation in this cycle of violence is exceptionally serious and poses a grave threat to the stability of Lebanon, Israel, and the entire region," DiCarlo emphasized. She called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and urged influential Member States to take decisive actions to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
 
Communication Explosions Leave Lebanon in Shock
 
On September 17, simultaneous explosions of communication devices rocked Lebanon, followed by a second, more deadly wave the following day. These devices, including two-way handheld radios, exploded in various locations such as homes, cars, and public spaces. Lebanon's health authorities have reported that 37 people were killed, including two children, and more than 3,400 others were injured. The devastation has overwhelmed medical professionals, who continue working around the clock to aid the injured.
 
"Lebanese society, both young and old, is in profound shock and panic," DiCarlo noted. Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Hezbollah’s Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, and Iranian authorities condemned the attacks, attributing responsibility to Israel. However, the Israeli government has yet to comment on these developments.
 
New Warfare Threatens Human Rights
 
Addressing the Security Council alongside DiCarlo, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk raised concerns over the human rights implications of these attacks. He described them as a dangerous new form of warfare, where communication tools, essential to daily life, are turned into deadly weapons.
 
"Explosive devices were detonated simultaneously in marketplaces, street corners, and homes, plunging an already fragile society into widespread fear and panic," Türk explained. He added that Lebanon has been grappling with increasing instability since October 2023, further compounded by a prolonged economic crisis.
 
“Even Wars Have Rules”
 
Türk reminded the council that even in times of war, international humanitarian law governs the actions of warring parties to protect civilians. He condemned the use of booby-trap devices disguised as ordinary objects, warning that such tactics, designed to terrorize civilians, are war crimes.
 
He reiterated his call for an independent, transparent investigation into the explosions. "Those responsible for these attacks must be held accountable. While this method of warfare may be unprecedented, it is no excuse to disregard international law," Türk concluded.
 
END/SMA/NY/