The UN Secretary-General is in Beirut on a "humanitarian visit"

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, arrived in Beirut on Friday for a "solidarity visit" with the Lebanese people, in the context of the recent war that has led to 687 deaths since March 2. Guterres emphasized that the Lebanese did not choose this conflict and promised that the UN will continue efforts for a peaceful future in the region. His visit coincides with the displacement of over 800,000 people due to the violence, and Guterres will address the issue of humanitarian aid.

During the visit, an inter-agency emergency funding appeal will be launched. This comes after the intensification of Israeli military operations in Lebanon, which led to the destruction of a bridge used by Hezbollah. Recent attacks by Hezbollah, coordinated with Iran, have generated an Israeli response resulting in dozens of deaths in Lebanon, including among the displaced persons.