UNITED NATIONS — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned escalating Israeli military attacks in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, calling for an immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.
Guterres expressed alarm over civilian casualties, including women and children killed in strikes on Nabatieh and surrounding areas. He also raised concerns about Israeli attacks affecting hospitals and healthcare workers, as well as restrictions on humanitarian access to the region.
"Attacks directed against civilians and civilian objects are unacceptable," Guterres said through his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric. The UN chief urged Israel to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and comply with Security Council resolution 1701.
The statement followed three days of intensified Israeli operations in southern Lebanon. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, 27 people were killed and 69 injured during that period, including children, women and paramedics.
Israeli attacks on Lebanon have intensified since March 2. Lebanese authorities reported at least 4,381 people killed and 12,402 injured since that date, with more than 1 million displaced from their homes.
Israel maintains a military presence in southern Lebanon, holding some areas for decades and occupying others seized during the 2023–2024 war.
