UN chief Guterres condemns attacks against peacekeeping personnel in Lebanon

UN Secretary-General Guterres has raised serious concerns over the recent attacks against peacekeepers in Lebanon. He stressed that all peacekeeping personnel and premises must be protected by all parties of the conflict.

Condemning the recent shooting against the UN premises, he expressed alarm over the escalating violence in Lebanon. His statement comes as a couple of peacekeepers sustained injuries on Friday and another 2 faced similar situations the day before.

Guterres highlighted the “enormous tragedy in Lebanon” and noted the need to do everything possible to avoid an all-out conflict in the country. Reports indicate that more than 2,000 people have been killed and over a million have been displaced.

UN agencies ramping up efforts to respond to humanitarian crisis

Despite the challenging conditions, UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)  peacekeepers continue their operations. Established by the UN Security Council, the entity is monitoring the raging situation in the Middle East.

In Geneva, the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) called for an end to the killing and destruction in the region, stressing that the situation for civilians on the ground in Lebanon, Gaza, Israel and Syria is getting more and more difficult by the day.

UN agencies are ramping up efforts to respond to the escalating humanitarian crisis. These agencies continue to put in substantial efforts into providing vital protection, psychological support, nutrition, health, sanitation and hygiene services.