Lebanon to become another Gaza amid escalating attacks: UN secretary-general

NEW YORK -- Lebanon could be transformed into another Gaza amid escalating attacks between Israel and Hezbollah, said United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday.

During an interview with US news outlet CNN, Guterres said that the recent detonation of communication devices in Lebanon means there is a "potential for a much stronger escalation," which he fears could be a "devastating tragedy for the world."

"With the region on the brink of an imminent catastrophe, it cannot be overstated enough: there is no military solution that will make either side safer," said UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis via X on Sunday.

Tension along the Israel-Lebanon border has escalated sharply following communication device explosions across Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday that killed 37 people and injured nearly 3,000. Israel launched an airstrike in Beirut on Friday that killed at least 45 people, Lebanon's Health Ministry said.

Hezbollah has reportedly fired over 100 rockets into northern Israel.

The Israeli army and Hezbollah have been exchanging fire across the Israel-Lebanon border since Oct 8, 2023, raising fears that the nearly one-year-long confrontations could escalate into a full-scale war.