UN Chief Expresses Profound Concern Over Mounting Israeli Military Operations in Southern Lebanon

New York, September 08, 2026 : UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed profound concern on Tuesday over the escalating Israeli military campaign in southern Lebanon, particularly in and around Nabatieh.

Civilian Casualties, Displacement Condemned

Addressing a press briefing in New York, Spokesman for the Secretary-General Stéphane Dujarric said Guterres strongly condemns the rise in civilian casualties resulting from intensifying Israeli offensives in southern Lebanon, noting that these operations have triggered evacuation orders, widespread suffering, and displacement, alongside scenes of massive devastation.

Strikes on Hospitals, Healthcare Facilities Raise Alarm

Dujarric said the Secretary-General is particularly troubled by reports of Israeli strikes disrupting hospital operations and healthcare and public institutions in the affected areas.

Restrictions on Humanitarian Aid Access Criticized

The UN chief also expressed deep alarm over restrictions on access to life-saving humanitarian aid, stressing that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times, and describing such targeted attacks as unacceptable.

Guterres Calls for Immediate Halt, Troop Withdrawal

Dujarric said Guterres is calling on Israel to immediately halt hostilities in southern Lebanon and withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory, reaffirming the UN's continued commitment to supporting efforts to end the violence, protect civilians, and advance a lasting resolution to the conflict.

Thousands Displaced as Healthcare System Strained

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that the escalation could force more residents to flee their homes, with local authorities reporting that nearly 5,000 families — roughly 20,000 people — were displaced from the Nabatieh area over the past week, as healthcare services in the region face mounting pressure.

Ceasefire Deal Fails to Curb Ongoing Operations

Despite these concerns, the Israeli military has continued its campaign in Lebanon, particularly in southern areas, as the US-brokered ceasefire agreement signed in mid-June 2026 has failed to restore lasting de-escalation in the region.

Source: QNA