During the UN General Assembly, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that Lebanon is on “the brink” as violence escalates between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israeli strikes reportedly killing at least 558 people, including children. Guterres urged world leaders to be alarmed by the situation, as the gathering in Manhattan shifts focus from Gaza to Lebanon’s deteriorating circumstances.
France has called for an emergency Security Council meeting to address the crisis, while the U.S. has cautioned against a full-scale invasion of Lebanon. Guterres highlighted the risk of Lebanon becoming “another Gaza” amid ongoing conflict in the region.
As global leaders convene, there are concerns that the UN may struggle to effectively address the multitude of crises facing the world today. Gowan from the International Crisis Group noted that meaningful diplomacy may occur “behind the scenes,” emphasizing the need for discussions to prevent further escalation.
The UN’s centerpiece event has drawn over 100 heads of state, with leaders from Turkey, Jordan, and Qatar expected to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to address the Security Council regarding Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
Guterres concluded that international challenges are progressing faster than the global community’s ability to respond, underscoring the urgency for leaders to collaborate on solutions to the crises at hand.
