UN Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert has expressed deep concern over the recent Israeli airstrike in the southern suburb of Beirut, which resulted in multiple civilian casualties. 

In a statement released shortly after the strike, Hennis-Plasschaert emphasized that there is no military solution to the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, calling on both Israel and Lebanon to utilize all diplomatic avenues to de-escalate the situation and return to the cessation of hostilities as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006.

The Special Coordinator underscored the importance of Resolution 1701, which calls for a full cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, and mandates the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon.

The resolution also includes provisions for the deployment of Lebanese armed forces in southern Lebanon and the establishment of a buffer zone free of armed personnel, assets, and weapons.

Hennis-Plasschaert assured that she is in close contact with key interlocutors on both sides, urging for calm to prevail amidst the rising tensions.