Guterres: The Gaza model must not be repeated in Lebanon, the world faces the risk of a wider war

(Patria) - The Gaza model, an area devastated by war between Hamas and Israel, must not be repeated in Lebanon, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned today.

He expressed great concern about the war in the Middle East, which he said was "out of control".

- Across the region and beyond, civilians are suffering severe damage and living in deep insecurity. I saw this during my recent visit to Lebanon - Guterres told reporters.

- Hezbollah must stop its attacks on Israel, and Israel must cease its military operations and attacks on Lebanon, where civilians are most affected.

- The Gaza model must not be repeated in Lebanon - Guterres said.

His statement came after far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich threatened in early March that the southern suburbs of Beirut, the stronghold of the pro-Iranian Lebanese movement Hezbollah, would suffer the same destruction that Israel has inflicted on Gaza since the beginning of the war against the Palestinian group Hamas.

However, in addition to Lebanon, where the Israeli army continues its offensive, Guterres also expressed concern about the situation in the entire region.

- At the end of February, shortly after the start of Israeli-American attacks on Iran, which retaliated with strikes on targets in Israel and Gulf states, I warned that the fighting risked triggering a chain reaction that no one could control.

After more than three weeks, the war is out of control. This conflict has exceeded the boundaries that even leaders considered imaginable. The world faces the risk of a wider war, a tide of human suffering, and a deeper economic shock. It has gone too far - Guterres stated.

He sent a message to the United States, Israel, and Iran.

- My message to the US and Israel is that it is high time to end the war. My message to Iran is that it is time to stop attacking its neighbors who are not parties to the conflict - Guterres said.

He announced the appointment of French diplomat Jean Arnault as his "special envoy to lead UN efforts regarding the conflict and its consequences" and added that he "will support all mediation efforts".