The United Nations special coordinator for Lebanon condemned the recent attack on the country, describing it as a “deeply troubling escalation” in an already unstable environment, according to a statement from the U.N. Secretary General’s spokesperson.
During a press conference in Egypt on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the U.S. had no prior knowledge or involvement in Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and Syria. He also mentioned that officials are still gathering details but refrained from directly accusing Israel.
Blinken emphasized the importance of all parties avoiding actions that could worsen the ongoing conflict in Gaza, noting that its expansion to other regions is “not in anyone’s best interest.” He further suggested that a cease-fire in Gaza would significantly help ease tensions on the Israeli-Lebanese border, allowing displaced residents to return to their homes.
Both the U.S. and the European Union have classified Hezbollah, the militant group in Lebanon, as a terrorist organization.
