UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Beirut on Friday, calling for diplomacy to halt the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The violence erupted after Hezbollah retaliated for the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a U.S.-Israeli strike.
Israel has intensified airstrikes across Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah command centers and infrastructure. The group claims attacks on northern Israel. Lebanese health officials report over 800 fatalities since March 2, including 106 children. In Sidon, a residential area was struck, leaving families fleeing damaged vehicles.
Guterres emphasized there is no military solution-only diplomacy-and launched a $325 million humanitarian appeal to aid displaced thousands. He urged global support for Lebanon's state institutions and army, which pledged to disarm Hezbollah.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned of potential genocide, while French President Emmanuel Macron offered to host direct talks between Lebanon and Israel, warning of chaos without intervention.
In the southern city of Burj Qalawiya, an overnight strike killed medical personnel at a health facility affiliated with Hezbollah’s Islamic Health Committee. Israel accused Hezbollah of using ambulances militarily, stating it will act under international law against such actions.
UN peacekeepers reported one lightly wounded after their position near Mais al-Jabal came under fire.
