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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has raised concerns over tensions rising between Israel and Lebanon, warning that the situation could quickly spiral out of control.

Guterres expressed his concern on Friday about the escalating conflict between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, emphasizing that UN peacekeepers are actively working to de-escalate the situation and prevent any miscalculations. “One rash move – one miscalculation – could trigger a catastrophe that goes far beyond the border, and frankly, beyond imagination.” He added, “Let’s be clear: The people of the region and the people of the world cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza.”

Guterres noted that “UN peacekeepers are on the ground working to de-escalate tensions and help prevent miscalculation.” He added, “The world must say loudly and clearly: immediate de-escalation is not only possible – it is essential. There is no military solution.”

The tensions between both have intensified since the war in Gaza erupted in October, with Iran-backed Hezbollah launching rockets into Israel in solidarity with Hamas. This has led to tens of thousands of Israelis fleeing their homes, and there is mounting political pressure within Israel for a stronger response. Similarly, many Lebanese residents have evacuated southern Lebanon following Israeli strikes.

This comes as Iran’s UN Mission said, “Perhaps the time for the self-annihilation of this illegitimate regime has come. Any imprudent decision by the occupying Israeli regime to save itself could plunge the region into a new war.”