New York, Sept. 8 (Petra) -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern on Tuesday over the escalation of Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, particularly in Nabatieh and surrounding areas.

In a statement issued on his behalf, Guterres condemned the rising number of civilian casualties, including women and children killed and injured in intensifying attacks, as well as the displacement and suffering caused by evacuation orders and widespread destruction.

According to the statement, the UN Chief is particularly alarmed by reports of Israeli strikes hitting hospitals, healthcare workers, and public institutions, alongside restrictions placed on humanitarian access.

Guterres stressed that all parties must comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. He emphasized that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times and that direct attacks against them are unacceptable.

The Secretary-General called on Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory, urging all parties to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon and to fully fulfill their commitments under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006).

//Petra// AF