World Leaders Warn of Wider War Amid Deadly Israeli Strikes on Lebanon
The Middle East has been plunged into crisis following the deadliest day in nearly two decades, with the Israeli air strikes on Monday killing 558 people, including 50 children, in Lebanon. The brutal assault has sparked fears of a wider war engulfing the region, with world leaders sounding the alarm and urging restraint.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concern over the escalating situation, calling on all parties to work towards de-escalation. His spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, warned that tens of thousands of people had been forced from their homes, with numbers continuing to grow.
The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has urged against any ground invasion of Lebanon, warning that it would only contribute to an “escalatory spiral of violence.” EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell, meanwhile, described the situation as “almost a full-fledged war,” calling on all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian strongly condemned the Israeli aggression, warning that Lebanon should not become “another Gaza at the hands of Israel.” Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Qatar have also joined in the condemnation, calling on the international community to take action to stop the escalating violence.
Russia, while not directly involved in the conflict, has expressed “extreme concern and worry” over the potential expansion of the conflict, calling the strikes “an event that is potentially very dangerous.” China, too, has condemned the attacks on civilians, urging restraint and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
As the international community grapples with the fallout from the crisis, one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher. With leaders from around the world calling for restraint and de-escalation, it is imperative that all parties involved work towards a peaceful resolution to this devastating conflict.
