Outgoing NATO chief, secretary general-designate express concern over escalation in Lebanon

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Outgoing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Secretary General-designate Mark Rutte on Tuesday voiced concern over escalation in Lebanon, expressing hope for peace.

"We are, of course, deeply concerned about the escalation we see in the Middle East and in Lebanon," Stoltenberg said at the joint doorstep with Rutte in Brussels.

He said that they support the efforts of NATO allies to find a way to de-escalate and find a political solution to the ongoing hostilities as well as the situation in Lebanon.

For his part, Rutte, who will assume charge as new secretary general of the alliance on Tuesday, said that they are following closely what is happening in Lebanon.

"Of course, we hope that the hostilities end as soon as possible but there is also a clear worry," he said, adding that they are in close contact with NATO allies on the escalation.

Rutte will become the new NATO chief following a handover ceremony on Tuesday, replacing Jens Stoltenberg, who has been at its helm for a decade, a tenure extended due to the Ukraine war.

Since Sept. 23, Israel has launched massive airstrikes against what it calls Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, killing more than 1,057 people and injuring over 2,950 others, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.