Guterres stated: “The purpose of these explosions seems to be a pre-emptive move before a larger military action. While the events themselves are significant, they also highlight the serious risk of a dramatic escalation in Lebanon. It is crucial to take all necessary steps to prevent such an escalation.”

The UN secretary general said it on September 18, a day after pager explosions killed at least eight people and wounded 2,750 others, including many of the militant group’s fighters and Iran’s envoy to Beirut.

As of now, Guterres has not commented on the Israeli airstrikes that occurred on Monday, which resulted in nearly 200 fatalities.

In a social media post on X, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis called for end to military strikes.

“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,” she said.