New urgent call from Guterres for “an immediate return to the cessation of hostilities” and a lasting political solution

In his latest comprehensive assessment report on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006), which covers the period from June 21 to October 20, 2024, UN Secretary-General António Guterres , reports an “alarming escalation of tensions between Israel and Hezbollah”, aggravating violations of the cessation of hostilities established by Resolution 1701 and threatening to plunge the region into widespread conflict.

Armed clashes peaked with the launch of Israeli Operation Northern Arrows on September 23, accompanied by massive bombardments and ground incursions north of the Blue Line. Heavy Israeli bombardment across Lebanon, including in Beirut and urban areas, has caused considerable loss of life and massive displacement and destruction. In response, Hezbollah has intensified its attacks on Israel, using rockets, missiles and drones. “The dramatic escalation of hostilities has highlighted the urgency of an immediate return to the cessation of hostilities and the long-term imperative to progress towards a permanent ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel,” notes the head of the UN.

Read also

American boost for a ceasefire: “The OLJ” reveals the main points of the agreement

Resolution 1701 reshaped the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in light of the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah and called for a cessation of hostilities between the parties. This report, which includes two detailed annexes on UNIFIL and the strengthening of the Lebanese army, will be the subject of closed consultations of the Security Council scheduled for November 19. The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and the Under-Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, who has just completed a tour of Lebanon and Israel, are the expected speakers. Council members are closely monitoring developments in Lebanon, Israel and the region to assess whether additional measures are necessary.

Disarmament and arms control

Despite international efforts, no progress has been made regarding the disarmament of non-state armed groups in Lebanon. Hezbollah’s military actions continue to violate resolutions 1701 and 1559 (2004), the report said. Hezbollah continues to demonstrate its military capabilities, escalating tensions with the use of offensive drones and surface-to-air missiles, claiming to have carried out more than 3,194 military operations against Israel since October 2023. Israel, for its part, has intensified its strikes to counter alleged arms transfers to Hezbollah from Syria, via roads and border crossings.

UNIFIL activities

UNIFIL continued to document violations of the resolution despite increased restrictions on its operations. The data includes: 2,531 projectiles fired from north to south of the Blue Line and 3,332 projectiles in the opposite direction between June and September 2024.

A dramatic increase to 15,481 projectiles from south to north after September 23; 1,892 Israeli air violations recorded between June and September totaling 7,251 overflight hours. An intensification was observed after September, reaching 1,293 violations for 7,450 hours of overflight. Israeli airstrikes also hit UNIFIL positions, causing injuries to peacekeepers and hampering their surveillance activities.

Humanitarian crisis

The war resulted in a major humanitarian catastrophe:

*Human losses: more than 2,467 deaths, including 150 children and 270 women since October 2023, over the period covered by the report. Of these figures, 1,860 deaths were recorded between September and October 2024. (The Lebanese Ministry of Health reports more than 3,400 people killed in Lebanon since October 2023, in its latest report).

*Travel: more than 1.2 million people have been displaced.

*Infrastructures : massive destruction of homes and essential infrastructure, including against hospitals and health facilities. The bombing damaged 28 water systems, affecting 344,400 people. The closure of five hospitals has worsened the health crisis. A case of cholera was reported among the displaced people, increasing the risks for the vulnerable population.

A flash appeal launched by the United Nations to raise $425.7 million was launched in Paris to respond to the humanitarian crisis which was only 15.1% funded as of October 20.

The impact on civilians and infrastructure

Densely populated areas, including Beirut and South Lebanon, suffered significant human losses and material damage. Medical infrastructure, schools and homes have been heavily affected, worsening the vulnerability of civilian populations. Israel issued several risk warnings, but the intensive strikes caused widespread destruction, including residential buildings and medical centers.

Political and institutional situation

At the national level, Lebanon remains facing major political instability, exacerbated by the presidential vacancy since 2022. Efforts to elect a president and to implement economic and structural reforms, including an agreement with the IMF (International Monetary Fund ), stagnate. The explosion at the port of Beirut in 2020 also remains without judicial resolution.

Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have included a joint call by the United States, France and other nations for a temporary ceasefire. However, the parties continued to reject these proposals. The Lebanese government has also called for the full implementation of Resolution 1701. At the same time, political instability in Lebanon, exacerbated by the presidential vacancy and delays in economic reforms, complicates resolution efforts.

Observations

The secretary-general expressed “deep concern” about the intensity of hostilities, calling for immediate de-escalation and negotiations to restore a lasting ceasefire. The international community is urged to intensify its diplomatic and humanitarian engagement to avoid a wider regional catastrophe. In conclusion, the report warns against the spiral of violence which could lead to regional destabilization. Immediate de-escalation, combined with concerted diplomatic efforts, is imperative to avoid catastrophe. The Secretary-General calls on all parties to fully respect Resolution 1701, ensure the protection of civilians and cooperate with UNIFIL to ensure peace and stability.