A spokesman for the United Nations Secretary-General said UN chief António Guterres strongly condemned the large-scale Israeli attack on Lebanon on 8 April.

According to an official statement, the attack left hundreds of civilians, including children, dead and injured, and caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure. Guterres expressed deep concern at the rising number of civilian casualties and described the attacks as unacceptable.

He also expressed his condolences to the Lebanese government and the people of the country and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He reiterated his call on all parties to the conflict to put an immediate end to the violence.

The declaration further stresses the need for strict compliance with international law, in particular international humanitarian law. According to the UN, the protection of civilians and civilian objects must always be a priority and any attacks on them are unacceptable.

The escalation came after Israel launched large-scale air strikes on Lebanese territory following a ceasefire between Iran and the United States. According to the Lebanese emergency services, these attacks caused at least 254 casualties and injured 1 165 others.

CMG