UN sees diplomatic push 'averting escalation' as Israel advances in Lebanon

UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee said on Monday that intensive last-minute diplomacy appears to be pulling the Middle East back from the brink of wider war, even as she warned that Israeli military advances into Lebanese territory mark a dangerous escalation undermining fragile peace efforts.

Diplomatic efforts and ground escalation

Speaking during an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Lebanon — requested by France and supported by Russia, China, Denmark, Greece, Latvia, the United Kingdom and Colombia — Pobee welcomed reports that intense diplomatic efforts are yielding results. "We welcome reports that intense diplomatic efforts may be yielding results and averting further escalation," she said, warning that Israeli advances mark a dangerous escalation directly undermining the cessation of hostilities understanding announced by Washington on April 16.

Iran threatens regional spillover

Pointing to alarming regional spillover, Pobee noted reported statements from Tehran that Iran will suspend dialogue with the United States, block the Strait of Hormuz and activate other fronts in response to the Lebanon situation. "We must urgently redouble efforts to avert any further escalation," she told the council, emphasizing that the UN stands ready to support diplomatic efforts to secure a sustained cessation of hostilities respected by all actors.

UN demands Israeli withdrawal

Pobee called on Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory in full respect of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, citing a May 29 meeting between Lebanese and Israeli military representatives hosted by Washington and further political-level talks anticipated on June 2 and 3. Washington has sought to broker a sustained truce since April, though continued Israeli advances threaten to derail the nascent dialogue as regional powers prepare for potential wider confrontation.