UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned world leaders on Tuesday that Lebanon is “on the brink” as clashes intensify between Israel and Hezbollah. This escalation follows Israeli airstrikes that have reportedly killed 558 people in Lebanon, including 50 children.
As global leaders convene in Manhattan for the UN General Assembly, calls for an emergency meeting by France emphasize the urgency of the situation. The focus has shifted from Gaza, where over 41,000 Palestinians have died, to the rising tensions in Lebanon, with EU diplomat Josep Borrell stating, “we are almost in a full-fledged war.”
The U.S., Israel’s closest ally, reiterated its opposition to a ground invasion of Lebanon while promising “concrete” proposals for de-escalation. Guterres cautioned against the potential for Lebanon to become another Gaza, reflecting on the deepening crises facing the international community.
With over 100 world leaders scheduled to speak, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, the gathering is fraught with potential volatility. Amidst the turmoil, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has called for an urgent meeting of Arab leaders to address the crisis in Lebanon.
