UN officials in Lebanon warn Hezbollah and Israel against “miscalculation”

Two United Nations officials based in Lebanon have expressed deep concern over the recent escalation along the Israel-Lebanon border.

“The risk of miscalculation leading to a sudden and broader conflict is very real,” stated U.N. special coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and the head of the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Aroldo Lazaro.

In a joint statement, they called on “all actors to cease their fire and commit to working towards a political and diplomatic solution.”

“As communities in Lebanon and around the world celebrate Eid Al-Adha, the U.N. family reiterates its call for all parties along the Blue Line to lay down their arms and commit to a path of peace,” the officials emphasized.

“Since October, we have witnessed too many lives lost, families displaced, and neighborhoods destroyed. We are deeply concerned about the recent escalation. The danger of miscalculation leading to a sudden and broader conflict is very real, and we continue to engage with the parties, urging all actors to cease their fire and commit to working towards a political and diplomatic solution — which is the only lasting solution,” they added.

“On this Eid al-Adha, we wish everyone celebrating compassion, harmony, and — most importantly — peace,” Hennis-Plasschaert and Lazaro concluded.