New York, Oct 03 (V7N) - In a dire warning to the Security Council, the UN Secretary-General highlighted the rapidly escalating conflict in the Middle East, declaring, "The raging fires in the Middle East are fast becoming an inferno." In his address, he detailed the worsening violence, particularly in Lebanon, where the situation has deteriorated significantly in the past week.

Key Points from the Address:

Escalation of Violence: The Secretary-General noted a dramatic increase in exchanges of fire between Hizbullah and Israeli forces, with airstrikes intensifying across Lebanon, including targeted bombings in Beirut.

Violations of Security Council Resolutions: He emphasized that the ongoing exchanges of fire constitute violations of Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701, which are designed to ensure Lebanese sovereignty and control over armed groups.

Humanitarian Crisis: The humanitarian toll has been severe, with over 1,700 casualties in Lebanon since the escalation began, including a significant number of children. Additionally, nearly 350,000 people have been displaced, with government estimates suggesting that figure could reach one million.

Calls for Ceasefire: The Secretary-General called for an immediate ceasefire, highlighting the need for the unconditional release of hostages, effective humanitarian aid delivery, and progress toward a two-state solution.

Regional Tensions: The remarks also addressed Iran's missile strikes on Israel in response to recent events, which resulted in further casualties and a heightened sense of urgency for peace.

Continued Violence in Gaza: He condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza, where Israeli military actions have resulted in significant civilian suffering, stressing the need for an immediate end to hostilities.

International Community’s Role: The Secretary-General urged the international community to mobilize support for humanitarian efforts in Lebanon and called for a united approach to de-escalate tensions in the region.

Conclusion

The Secretary-General’s address underscored the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East, cautioning against the dangerous cycle of violence that threatens to engulf the region.

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