World leaders have raised urgent concerns about the deepening crisis between Lebanon and Israel, after Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut resulted in the deaths of 558 people, including 50 children, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The strikes marked Lebanon’s deadliest day in two decades, fueling fears of a broader war in the Middle East.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm over the escalating situation, noting the significant civilian toll, with tens of thousands displaced. He called Lebanon “on the brink,” warning of the potential for further regional destabilization. UN refugee agency spokesman Matthew Saltmarsh echoed this concern, reporting that tens of thousands were forced to flee overnight.
The United States, Israel’s closest ally, urged caution against a full-scale ground invasion targeting Hezbollah, with a senior official warning that such a move could spiral the region into a larger conflict. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell stated, “We are almost in a full-fledged war,” as the toll continued to rise and more international figures expressed concern.
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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed that Lebanon must not become another Gaza, urging restraint. Meanwhile, China condemned attacks on civilians, with top diplomat Wang Yi calling for a halt to the violence.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II, in a call with Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati, called for immediate international intervention to prevent the region from being dragged into a “comprehensive regional war.” Qatar and Russia joined in condemning Israel’s actions, with Qatar warning of the “brink of the abyss” and Russia expressing fears of the “complete destabilization” of the region.
The strikes, part of an ongoing series of retaliatory attacks between Israel and Hezbollah since the Gaza war erupted, have shifted global focus from Gaza to Lebanon. The latest escalation has sparked fears of a wider conflict, with international leaders scrambling for a diplomatic solution as tensions continue to rise.
