Increasing tension between Israel and Hezbollah, the results will be disastrous for the region: UN
The United Nations has warned that the consequences of an escalation of tensions between Israel and Hezbollah will be disastrous for Lebanon and Israel as well as the entire region.
According to the news agency, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon and Israel Tor Vanesland has urged the parties to immediately start talks to reduce tensions.
Tensions have increased between the two countries near the Israel-Lebanon border in recent weeks due to the incidents of firing, on which UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has also expressed concern.
He has warned that fears of escalating conflict in the region are real and efforts should be made to avoid it at all costs.
UN Special Coordinator Tour Venezuela was speaking at the Security Council meeting which discussed the implementation of Resolution 2334 adopted in 2016.
He said that he is deeply worried about the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied Jerusalem and the West Bank, these settlements have no legal status, their construction is a clear violation of international law, Israel should stop all such actions.
He said that the increase in violence and tension in the occupied West Bank and the eastern part of occupied Jerusalem is also worrying. Because of this, the attackers should be held accountable.
Tor Vanesland described the current situation in Gaza as a cause of regional instability and stressed the need for an immediate unconditional release of all hostages and a ceasefire.
He told the member countries of the Security Council that negotiations on the cease-fire agreement in Gaza are ongoing and they welcome the efforts of Egypt, Qatar and the United States in this regard.
He lamented the humanitarian situation in Gaza, saying that there is a severe lack of provision of basic human needs and a safe environment by Israel and that Israel should take steps for this without any delay.