Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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March 31, 2026 Peace and security
Senior UN officials warned the Security Council on Tuesday about the rapidly deteriorating situation in Lebanon, with clashes between Israel and Hezbollah intensifying, civilian casualties rising, and the deteriorating security situation negatively impacting peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.
"The Lebanese people did not choose this war."
Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East Khaled Khiari stated that the conflict continues to expand and intensify. Since early March, fighting along the Blue Line has escalated sharply, with Israeli forces advancing deeper into Lebanese territory, and the ongoing exchange of fire leading to widespread destruction.
According to Lebanese authorities, 1,247 people have been killed and 3,680 injured. Civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities, schools, and key transportation arteries, has been severely damaged.
Khiari warned that the violence not only destroys populated areas but also undermines Lebanon's fragile internal stability. He noted that tensions between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah are rising as the group continues military operations in defiance of government prohibitions.
“The Lebanese people did not choose this war,” he emphasized, recalling the recent statement by the UN Secretary-General.
"There is no military solution. Only diplomacy, dialogue, and full compliance with the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions can lead to lasting peace," he added.
Critical humanitarian situation
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, speaking via video link from Beirut, described the humanitarian situation as critical.
Entire communities were forced to flee their homes: more than 1.1 million people became internally displaced, and over 200,000 fled to neighboring Syria.
Fletcher particularly noted the enormous strain on already fragile infrastructure. Hospitals and medical centers are closing or operating at capacity, schools have been converted into shelters, and destroyed bridges and roads have cut off entire regions.
Humanitarian agencies have increased their aid, delivering millions of meals, water, medicine, and essential supplies. However, funding shortages and difficulties accessing conflict zones are hampering operations. Only a small fraction of the $308 million requested has been raised so far.
Fletcher emphasized that people want security above all else. "They want this to stop. They want to break out of this vicious cycle of crises," he added.
The emergency relief coordinator also warned of a possible long-term Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon and the risk of further escalation of the conflict in the region.
UN peacekeepers continue their work
UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix has warned of growing threats to the blue helmets serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Lacroix confirmed that three Indonesian peacekeepers were killed in the space of 24 hours, and several more were seriously injured. The UN Secretary-General condemned the actions that led to the deaths of the service members.
UN mission personnel report constant shelling, explosions, and restrictions on freedom of movement. Lacroix stated that peacekeepers should never be targeted and called on all parties to respect the sanctity of UN facilities.
Meanwhile, fighting continues to intensify. Thousands of shells have been fired in recent days. Israeli forces have reportedly advanced up to 11 kilometers into Lebanon. Civilians on both sides of the Blue Line remain targeted.
Despite all the difficulties, UNIFIL continues to assist the population and maintains contacts with the parties to the conflict, trying to prevent further escalation.
The UN emphasizes the need for an immediate ceasefire and full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.