UN chief urges Israel to withdraw from Lebanon as fighting intensifies in Nabatieh

The United Nations Secretary‑General has condemned the rising number of civilian casualties in southern Lebanon and urged Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory as hostilities intensify around the city of Nabatieh. In a statement issued today, he highlighted the humanitarian impact of the fighting and called for immediate steps to protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law.

The Secretary‑General’s appeal follows a recent surge in cross‑border exchanges between Israeli and Lebanese armed groups, which has led to heightened military activity in the Nabatieh region and surrounding villages. He reiterated the UN’s longstanding position that any use of force must be proportionate and directed solely at combatants, and urged both parties to pursue de‑escalation measures to prevent further loss of life. The call for withdrawal and restraint comes amid growing international concern over the conflict’s spill‑over effects and the need for a durable cease‑fire.