UN Chief Warns South Lebanon Risks Becoming a “Wasteland” as He Demands End to Middle East War

Guterres acknowledged the impact of the violence on both sides of the border, noting that while Lebanese civilians—including many children—have been killed, Israelis have also been forced into shelters due to Hezbollah rocket fire.

RMN News War Desk
New Delhi | March 15, 2026

BEIRUT – UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark demand for an immediate end to the Middle East war during a visit to Lebanon on Saturday, March 14, 2026, warning that the southern part of the country “risks being turned into a wasteland”.

The Secretary-General’s visit follows two weeks of intense destruction triggered by the bombing of Iran by the United States and Israel. In response to those strikes, Hezbollah launched rocket fire into Israel, which was met by a “devastating” Israeli bombing campaign that Guterres noted is rendering large portions of Lebanon uninhabitable.

A War Not Chosen

“The Lebanese people did not choose this war. They were dragged into it,” Guterres told reporters in Beirut. Underscoring that there is no military solution to the escalating conflict, he called for a diplomatic path in line with the UN Charter.

The humanitarian crisis has reached critical levels, with well over 800,000 Lebanese civilians forced to flee their homes following blanket evacuation orders in southern conflict zones and southern Beirut. Guterres expressed deep sadness after visiting a displacement shelter in Dekweneh, where he heard testimonies from families caught in the crossfire.

Attacks on Peacekeepers Condemned

The UN chief also paid tribute to the UNIFIL peacekeepers patrolling the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel. He specifically visited an injured Ghanaian peacekeeper in the hospital and condemned recent strikes on UN positions, stating, “Attacks against peacekeepers and positions are completely unacceptable and they must stop”.

Guterres acknowledged the impact of the violence on both sides of the border, noting that while Lebanese civilians—including many children—have been killed, Israelis have also been forced into shelters due to Hezbollah rocket fire. He pointed out that a year-old cessation of hostilities agreement failed to end the violence, with both sides violating ceasefire terms.

International Appeal for Support

Guterres urged the international community to “step up your engagement” and empower the Lebanese State. He called for increased resources for the Lebanese Armed Forces and a generous response to a $308.3 million flash humanitarian appeal to support the government-led response to the crisis.

The UN chief concluded with a message of regional solidarity, asserting that the people of Lebanon and Israel alike “deserve to live without fear” and the constant sound of sirens and strikes. He pledged that the United Nations would “spare no effort” in striving for a peaceful future for the region.