UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.
“We need peace in Gaza with an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages from both sides, and the efficient delivery of humanitarian aid. [...] We also need peace in Lebanon with an immediate cessation of hostilities and full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701,” Guterres stated during the BRICS+ outreach session. Resolution 1701 helped end the conflict between Lebanon and Israel in 2006.
The situation in the Middle East escalated after October 7, 2023, when supporters of the Palestinian Hamas movement infiltrated Israeli territory from Gaza. In response, Israel imposed a complete blockade on Gaza, launched airstrikes on Gaza, and targeted areas in Lebanon and Syria, before beginning a ground operation in the Palestinian enclave.
On September 23, Israel launched “Operation Northern Arrows” against Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, conducting heavy strikes on the group’s military sites. The stated goal was to create safe conditions in northern border areas so tens of thousands of Israeli residents could return. On the night of October 1, the Israeli army announced a ground operation in southern Lebanon's border areas.
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Photo: Kirill Zykov/Photohost agency brics-russia2024.ru
Based on TASS materials