Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric explained in a statement that UN chief António Guterres was “extremely concerned” about the rapid escalation of the conflict.
“All-out war in Lebanon must be avoided at all costs, and Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected”, added Mr Dujarric.
An Iranian missile attack is reportedly underway
The statement came shortly before the Israeli military reported that a rocket attack from Iran was underway, setting off sirens across Israel, according to news reports.
The UN chief spoke earlier in the day with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, assuring him that “the entire United Nations system in Lebanon is mobilized to help everyone in need in the country.”
Mr Guterres appealed to international donors to provide urgent support to the US$426 million humanitarian appeal launched in Beirut.
“The Secretary General will continue his contacts, and his representatives on the ground will also continue their efforts to de-escalate the situation,” Mr Dujarric said.
UNIFIL ‘Blue Helmets’ remain in place
The UN interim force in Lebanon, UNIFILthat patrols the dividing line between Lebanon and Israel, on behalf of the Security Council issued under resolution 1701 following the last war between the two in 2006 a statement said earlier in the day that “the price for continuing the current course of action is too high.”
The mission emphasized that under international law, civilians must be protected along with civilian infrastructure.
Speaking to correspondents at the regular daily briefing in New York, spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said he had been in contact with colleagues at UNIFIL who confirmed that despite what he called “sporadic incursions” but Israeli forces across the Blue Line, no full-scale invasion was underway.
“Peacekeepers continue to man all bases and observation posts along the Blue Line. What they have not been able to do in the last few hours is conduct vehicle patrols,” Mr Dujarric added.
“Our message to all countries in the region or countries further afield that have influence over one or more of the parties is to use that influence to de-escalate and not to escalate..”
Mr Dujarric added that the UN was equally concerned about the impact of indiscriminate rocket fire on Israel by Hezbollah militants. “Care is for everyone… for all people in the region.”