Speaking through UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric at a press conference on Tuesday, Guterres condemned the targeting of UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) personnel and facilities by the Israeli army.

"The Secretary-General reiterates that UNIFIL personnel and its premises must never be targeted," Dujarric stated. He added that "attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law. They may constitute a war crime."

Dujarric highlighted that UN premises have been hit at least 20 times since October 1 amid Israel's escalating offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon. He also welcomed the recent statement from the UN Security Council, which urged all parties to respect the safety and security of UN peacekeepers in the region.

UNIFIL, originally established in 1978, has played a vital role in maintaining peace and confirming Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon. The force operates under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, a demilitarized zone along the Blue Line, and the presence of only the Lebanese army and UNIFIL forces in the area.

Dujarric reiterated the UN's call for an immediate ceasefire, stressing the need to protect civilians on both sides of the conflict. He voiced particular concern for Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 1,500 people, injured over 4,500, and displaced more than 1.34 million since September 23.

Guterres strongly condemned the loss of civilian life, noting that at least 23 civilians had been killed in northern Lebanon amid continued hostilities between Hezbollah and the Israeli army. The situation has further deteriorated since Israel expanded its military operations into southern Lebanon on October 1, sparking fears of a broader regional conflict.

Israel's actions in Lebanon come on the heels of a year of cross-border warfare and a major offensive on the Gaza Strip, where nearly 42,300 people, mostly women and children, have been killed since a Hamas attack last year.

Despite mounting international concern and warnings of a potential regional war, Israel has intensified its military operations in both Gaza and Lebanon, complicating efforts to restore peace. Guterres and the UN continue to call for a diplomatic solution and the full implementation of Resolution 1701 to end the suffering of civilians and prevent further escalation in the region. (ILKHA)