UN chief Antonio Guterres says ‘there is no military solution only diplomacy’ as he calls for Israel and Hezbollah to ‘stop the fighting’
Guterres earlier called on Israel and Hezbollah to “stop the war” at the start of a visit to Beirut, saying it was “no longer the time of armed groups”.
Speaking during a visit to Beirut, Guterres warned that continued fighting risks plunging the region into a wider and more dangerous conflict, stressing that dialogue remains the only viable path to peace. He said the situation has reached a critical point and called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint.
“There is no military solution. Only diplomacy can bring lasting security for both sides,” the UN chief said while addressing reporters at the start of his visit. He also appealed for the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law, noting that the ongoing clashes have already caused significant destruction and displacement.
Guterres had earlier called on Israel and Hezbollah to “stop the war,” insisting that the time had come to end the cycle of violence. He emphasized that armed confrontation would only deepen instability in the Middle East and worsen the humanitarian situation in affected communities.
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According to the UN, the recent escalation along the Israel-Lebanon border has forced thousands of people to flee their homes, while infrastructure damage continues to grow. The organization warned that further military action could undermine fragile regional stability and complicate diplomatic efforts already underway.
The Secretary-General also met with Lebanese officials during his visit, where he reiterated the UN’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and security. He urged all armed groups operating in the region to respect existing agreements and avoid actions that could provoke further conflict.
Guterres stressed that the international community must act collectively to prevent the crisis from spreading. He called on global powers to support diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalation and to encourage both sides to commit to negotiations.
“The people of the region deserve peace, not endless war,” he said. “This is no longer the time for armed groups. It is the time for political solutions.”
The UN chief’s remarks come amid growing international concern that continued clashes between Israel and Hezbollah could trigger a broader regional confrontation if urgent diplomatic efforts fail.
