UN 'deeply concerned' about increase in exchanges of fire across Israel-Lebanon border

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The UN on Friday said it is "deeply concerned" about the increase in exchanges of fire across the Israel-Lebanon border, warning of the risk of a "full-scale war".

"The UN is deeply concerned at the increase in the intensity of exchanges of fire across the Blue Line yesterday, which heightens the risk of a full-scale war," the Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement.

"Escalation can and must be avoided. We reiterate that the danger of miscalculation leading to a sudden and wider conflagration is real," it added.

The statement said a political and diplomatic solution is the "only viable way forward," underscoring the engagements between Lebanese officials and UN Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) as well as UN Special Coordinator.

"We echo the appeals of UNSCOL (the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon) and UNIFIL urging the parties to immediately return to a cessation of hostilities and to recommit to the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006)," it added.

Tensions have risen along Lebanon's border with Israel amid cross-border attacks between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as Tel Aviv continues its deadly offensive on the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 38,000 people since Oct. 7 of last year.