United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on Israel and Hezbollah to stop the ongoing fighting and agree to an immediate ceasefire. According to Al Jazeera, Guterres made the appeal at the start of his visit to Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, during a speech at the presidential palace.

He emphasized that the war must end to allow Lebanon to develop as an independent state where only the legitimate authorities hold the right to use force. Guterres stated that it is no longer the time for armed groups but for a strong state. His remarks came as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah entered its eleventh day.

The Secretary-General’s visit to Beirut highlights the UN’s concern over the escalating violence and its potential impact on Lebanon’s stability, as he seeks to encourage both sides toward de-escalation and national sovereignty.