UN chief calls for de-escalation in southern Lebanon

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on Israeli authorities to halt military operations in southern Lebanon, citing the rising number of civilian casualties.

In a post on X, he condemned the distress and displacement caused by the evacuation orders and the scenes of massive destruction and devastation, Caliber.Az reports.

Guterres said civilians must be protected at all times; they are not a target and attacks directed against them are unacceptable.

“I appeal for an immediate cessation of hostilities. I call on Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory. The Lebanese State must have the monopoly on the use of force,” he noted.

I am deeply concerned by the escalation of Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon.

I condemn the mounting civilian casualties, the distress & displacement caused by the evacuation orders, and the scenes of massive destruction & devastation.

Civilians & civilian objects…

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) September 8, 2026

Guterres urged all parties to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding that the UN remains committed to supporting efforts to end the violence, protect civilians and advance a lasting solution to this conflict.

Earlier, Lebanese forces stepped up patrols in populated areas of Nabatieh Governorate in southern Lebanon following Israeli bombardments.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov