Guterres Calls on Israel to Stop Lebanon Overflights, Addresses the Weapons Issue
11/12/2025 6:32:00 PM
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on all parties to protect civilians and create conditions for dialogue leading to a permanent ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.
He added that the presence of Israeli forces north of the Blue Line and the airstrikes on Lebanon constitute a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and of Resolution 1701.
Guterres reiterated his call for Israel to withdraw from areas north of the Blue Line and to immediately cease its overflights of Lebanese territory.
He stressed that arms must be in the hands of the Lebanese state alone, which should exercise full sovereignty over its territory, affirming that UNIFIL will support the Lebanese Army’s deployment south of the Litani River to ensure the area remains free of any illegal weapons.
He also condemned the Israeli forces’ gunfire near UNIFIL positions and assaults on peacekeepers, describing such actions as completely unacceptable.
He added that the presence of Israeli forces north of the Blue Line and the airstrikes on Lebanon constitute a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and of Resolution 1701.
Guterres reiterated his call for Israel to withdraw from areas north of the Blue Line and to immediately cease its overflights of Lebanese territory.
He stressed that arms must be in the hands of the Lebanese state alone, which should exercise full sovereignty over its territory, affirming that UNIFIL will support the Lebanese Army’s deployment south of the Litani River to ensure the area remains free of any illegal weapons.
He also condemned the Israeli forces’ gunfire near UNIFIL positions and assaults on peacekeepers, describing such actions as completely unacceptable.