UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a stark warning on Friday, emphasizing that Lebanon cannot be allowed to descend into a conflict similar to that in Gaza. His comments come amid increasing tensions between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group.

Addressing reporters, Guterres expressed deep concern about the escalating situation and the potential for a broader conflict. "One hasty move, one wrong decision, could escalate a disaster that could go beyond borders, frankly beyond imagination," he stated. The Secretary-General highlighted the efforts of UN peacekeepers working in the region to calm the situation and prevent further escalation.

"Let's make this clear, the people of the region and the world cannot allow Lebanon to become another Gaza," Guterres emphasized.

Since the Gaza war began in October, Hezbollah has launched rockets into Israel in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas. This has resulted in thousands of Israelis fleeing their homes and increased political pressure on Israel to take significant action.

Simultaneously, Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon have forced tens of thousands of Lebanese to seek refuge elsewhere. In response to the rising tensions, Iran's mission to the United Nations warned on Friday that Hezbollah is capable of defending Lebanon and itself against Israeli actions. "Perhaps the time has come for the self-destruction of this illegal regime," the mission stated.

The UN mission also cautioned that any reckless decision by Israel could trigger a new war, further destabilizing the region. "UN peacekeepers are working to reduce tensions in the region and prevent missteps," Guterres noted.

"The world must say loud and clear that immediate de-escalation is not only possible but imperative," Guterres urged, emphasizing that there is "no military solution" to the ongoing conflict.