UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel to restore Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability. Guterres, after meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut, emphasized the importance of peace for the Lebanese people. He expressed hope for a future visit to a peaceful Lebanon where the state has full control over the use of force.
Aoun highlighted that over 800,000 people have been displaced due to the conflict, underscoring the urgent need to address their situation. He also thanked the UN for its assistance and called for an end to Israeli attacks, seeking increased international support during this critical phase.
Lebanon’s economic situation has been severely impacted, with commercial production dropping by 50% and sales of non-essential goods plummeting by 60-80%. Industrial and agricultural production also saw significant declines, affected by production unit shutdowns and export disruptions. Tourism has been hit hard, with hotel occupancy at 10-15% and restaurant activity down by 90%. Travel agencies reported an 80% decrease in business, indicating the widespread economic repercussions of the conflict.
The escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have led to a series of attacks and counterattacks, resulting in casualties and injuries. The World Health Organization reported 634 deaths and 1,586 injuries in Lebanon since the conflict began. The situation remains volatile, with concerns about the impact on businesses and livelihoods in Lebanon if the conflict persists.
