The UN Security Council met on Monday (1 Jun) at France’s request amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, with concerns over strikes near Beirut’s southern suburbs and the fragility of ceasefire arrangements tied to wider regional diplomacy.
UN Assistant Secretary-General Martha Pobee described the situation as “deeply alarming”, warning that intensified Israeli ground movements north of the Blue Line and sustained Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks are “directly undermining” UN Security Council Resolution 1701. She also stressed that “Israeli forces must withdraw” and that diplomacy must be given space to succeed.
France’s Jérôme Bonnafont said that while Israel has a right to self-defence, “nothing can justify the continuation and scale of its military operations in Lebanon”, calling it a “major strategic mistake” and urging that “it is urgent that the guns fall silent”.
Israel’s Danny Danon said Israel “had no choice” after Hezbollah attacks, while Lebanon’s Ahmad Arafa accused Israel of a “systematic campaign of destruction”. US envoy Michael G. Waltz said peace depends on Hezbollah stopping attacks and Iran ending its regional role.
Recent reporting indicates Israeli forces have expanded operations deeper into southern Lebanon, including around Beaufort Castle, while cross-border strikes continue and ceasefire violations mount, raising concerns that the conflict could widen further despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
ℹ️ Al Jazeera, UN News
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