UN Secretary-General Condemns Israeli Escalation in Southern Lebanon, Calls for Troop Withdrawal

The UN Secretary-General expressed deep concern over the escalation of Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, particularly in and around Nabatieh, condemning mounting civilian casualties and massive destruction. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory, citing UNIFIL reports of numerous Israeli projectiles and airspace violations between Thursday and Monday.