World Leaders Warn of Israel-Hezbollah “Spiral of Violence”

World leaders on Tuesday raised serious concerns about the possibility of a broader conflict, following Israel’s deadliest airstrikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon in two decades.

After nearly a year of cross-border clashes triggered by the Gaza war, Israeli air raids on Monday killed 558 people in Lebanon, including 50 children, according to the Lebanese health ministry. This marks the highest toll since the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, fueling fears of a larger war spreading across the Middle East.

 

‘Tens of Thousands Flee’ – UN

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and the growing civilian death toll, including women and children, according to his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. Matthew Saltmarsh, a spokesperson for the UN Refugee Agency, reported that “tens of thousands” of people were displaced overnight, with the numbers continuing to rise.

 

‘Spiral of Violence’ – US

The United States, a key ally of Israel, cautioned against any ground invasion of Lebanon. “We do not believe that a ground invasion of Lebanon will help de-escalate tensions or prevent a spiral of violence,” said a senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

 

‘Full-Fledged War’ – EU

Josep Borrell, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, warned that the region was on the brink of “full-fledged war.” He expressed concern over the increasing military strikes and civilian casualties, urging all parties to work toward de-escalation.

 

‘Another Gaza’ – Iran

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian cautioned that Lebanon must not be turned into another Gaza by Israel. Responding to questions about Iran’s influence over Hezbollah, Pezeshkian emphasized that Hezbollah could not face Israel alone, especially as it receives significant backing from Western nations, including the US and European countries.

 

‘Attacks Against Civilians’ – China

China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, voiced strong opposition to the attacks on civilians, particularly noting the recent explosion of communications equipment in Lebanon. Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian later added that China was “deeply shocked” by the high number of casualties resulting from Israeli military actions.

 

‘Israeli Escalation’ – Jordan

Jordan’s King Abdullah II called for international intervention to halt what he termed the “danger of Israeli escalation” in Lebanon. He stressed the need to protect innocent civilians and warned that the entire region could be pulled into a wider war if the violence in Gaza is not stopped.

 

‘Brink of the Abyss’ – Qatar

Qatar condemned the Israeli strikes on Lebanon, warning that the ongoing escalation could push the region “to the brink of the abyss.” Qatar, a mediator in the Gaza ceasefire talks, expressed grave concern about the heightened tensions.

 

‘Complete Destabilization’ – Russia

The Kremlin also voiced concern, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov describing the situation as “very dangerous” and warning that the conflict could expand, leading to the “complete destabilization of the region.” Peskov added that Russia was “extremely worried” about the situation.

This growing alarm from world leaders underscores the urgency of addressing the escalating violence to prevent further destabilization of the Middle East.