Statement of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert

Today, Israeli airstrikes hit the town of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, yet again. The Lebanese Ministry of Health has confirmed that five people have been killed in the attack, though this number may rise as rubble is cleared. Lebanese authorities also confirmed that the town’s municipal building was hit, with alarming reports that the Mayor of Nabatieh is among the dead.

This attack follows other incidents in which civilians and civilian infrastructure have been targeted across Lebanon. Today’s reported killing of a humanitarian first responder is, tragically, part of this pattern.

Violations of international humanitarian law are utterly unacceptable. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times.

As the theatre and intensity of the exchanges of fire continue to expand, civilian suffering is reaching unprecedented heights. Military solutions will not and cannot bring safety or security to either side of the Blue Line. It is time for all concerned actors to immediately cease their fire and open the door to diplomatic solutions capable of realizing the needs of citizens and advancing regional stability.