The United Nations Security Council will convene an emergency meeting on Wednesday to address the escalating violence in Lebanon, as confirmed by Slovenia's mission to the UN, which currently holds the council's rotating presidency. The meeting is scheduled for September 25 at 6:00 PM (2200 GMT), and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to address the situation.
Guterres warned that Lebanon is on "the brink" amid escalating clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, coinciding with Israeli strikes that have reportedly killed 558 people, including 50 children. "We should all be alarmed by the escalation," Guterres stated, emphasizing the urgent need for international attention.
As world leaders gather in New York for the UN General Assembly, the crisis in Lebanon has overshadowed discussions on Gaza, with the EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, declaring that the region is nearing "a full-fledged war." The United States, a close ally of Israel, has cautioned against a full-scale ground invasion of Lebanon, with a senior official promising to present "concrete" de-escalation proposals during the UN meetings.
Tensions have escalated as Guterres cautioned against Lebanon becoming "another Gaza," prompting a sharp response from Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant. He accused Guterres of failing to prevent Hezbollah attacks and criticized the UN for not holding the group accountable, saying, "Hezbollah has taken Lebanon hostage."
In a parallel development, US President Joe Biden delivered a somber farewell address to the UN, using the occasion to reflect on the dangers posed by authoritarian regimes globally. He called for support for democracy, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, and reiterated his commitment to addressing the complex crises facing the world.
Biden's speech emphasized the importance of unity among allies and the need to bolster international cooperation, especially as he prepares to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for talks on Thursday. While the president underscored the significance of US alliances, he acknowledged that a ceasefire in Gaza remains elusive, leaving open questions about how to navigate the deteriorating situation in Lebanon.
