TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Special Coordinator of the United Nations (UN) for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, has warned that the prolonged conflict will further complicate the recovery process. She also highlighted the increasing harsh rhetoric that hinders the chances of a diplomatic solution. "The UN urges for an immediate ceasefire to stop the destruction," she said, as quoted on the official UN website on March 31, 2026.
She added that initial steps are needed to build trust, strengthen Lebanon's role in war and peace decisions, and start negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.
According to the UN, short-term military gains risk causing permanent damage to the stability and prosperity of both countries. "It's high time to shift to a constructive process, not destructive," she said.
Hennis-Plasschaert evaluated that the escalation of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel continues to claim lives and worsen the humanitarian conditions in Lebanon. In the last 24 hours, three UN peacekeepers were killed while carrying out their duties in southern Lebanon. Additionally, nine Lebanese paramedics were reported to have died in a single day over the past weekend.
Since the increased hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel on March 2, the death toll has reached 1,247 people. The victims include healthcare workers, journalists, civilians, and Lebanese soldiers not directly involved in the fighting.
The UN assessed that the situation in Lebanon has drastically worsened. Several areas have been destroyed and turned into ghost towns. More than 1.2 million people have been reported displaced due to the escalating conflict.
Amidst this situation, Hezbollah continues to launch rockets and missiles into Israeli territory and carry out ground operations in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces continue to expand their military operations into Lebanese territory, accompanied by targeted attacks in various locations.
GHAEIZA KAY RASUFFI
Read: Netanyahu: US-Iran Deal Won't End Lebanon War
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