New York, March 31 (Petra) – The UN Security Council on Tuesday discussed developments in the Middle East, hearing briefings from senior UN officials on the escalating situation in Lebanon.

Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East and Europe Khaled Khiari warned that conditions in Lebanon are "deteriorating sharply" amid broader regional tensions, with intensified exchanges of fire along the Blue Line and expanded Israeli military operations.

Khiari reiterated the UN's call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomatic channels, urging full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701.

Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix discussed the heavy toll on civilians and reported that UN peacekeepers have suffered casualties.

He called for protecting peacekeepers and respecting UN premises, adding that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is adjusting its deployment and prioritising personnel safety while continuing to support humanitarian access.

On the humanitarian front, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher raised concerns over civilian protection and the growing displacement crisis, urging the international community to prepare for worsening conditions and potential escalation.

//Petra// AK