United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed his worries over the safety of the civilians on both sides of the UN-drawn "blue line" in Sotuh Lebanon, stressing that the conflict has taken a different nature and scale. This came about in a speech delivered by Guterres during an international conference to support Lebanon in Paris. "Every passing day only deepens the misery and suffering of the people of Lebanon," he said, noting that more than 2,300 people in this country have been killed, and 50 on the side of the occupation. More than half the deaths have occurred in Lebanon since the Israeli occupation increased strikes on September 23. He stressed that an "immediate ceasefire" is needed, in addition to steps towards the full implementation of Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701, and protection of the civilians and the country's infrastructure. Guterres called to respect obligations and international law, and urged the "Lebanon's allies" to support ongoing humanitaria n response efforts, namely providing funding and aid for Lebanon. He also stressed that attacks against UN peacekeepers are "totally unacceptable," adding that they violate international law and could constitute as war crimes. Source: Kuwait News Agency
