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UN Secretary-General Guterres lands in Beirut — calls for Lebanon ceasefire, says armed groups era must end

·Beirut, Lebanon

UN Secretary-General António Guterres landed in Beirut on Day 14 for a solidarity visit with the Lebanese people. At a press conference he called on Hezbollah and Israel to negotiate a ceasefire to stop the war and allow Lebanon to become a fully sovereign, independent state, adding: "this is no longer the time of armed groups." Guterres's visit comes as Lebanon has 700+ killed, 1,500+ injured, and 820,000+ displaced. His statement aligns with Lebanese President Aoun's earlier ceasefire request via the US ambassador and puts the UN formally on record demanding Hezbollah disarmament.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres landed in Beirut on Day 14 of the conflict for what he described as "a visit of solidarity with the people of Lebanon." At a short press conference following his arrival, Guterres called on Hezbollah and Israel to negotiate a ceasefire "to stop the war and pave the way to find a solution to allow Lebanon to become a country independent, with sovereignty and territorial integrity respected." He added: "this is no longer the time of armed groups." The UN chief's presence in Beirut under active IDF strikes is symbolically significant — he is the most senior international official to visit Lebanon since the war expanded on Day 1. His statement explicitly endorsing Lebanon's sovereignty and calling armed groups illegitimate represents the UN Secretary-General formally aligning with the Lebanese government's own Hezbollah disarmament agenda, and with Lebanese President Aoun's earlier ceasefire request through the US ambassador. Lebanon's humanitarian toll stands at 700+ killed, 1,500+ injured, and more than 820,000 displaced according to Lebanon's disaster management office. The IDF continued strikes in Lebanon on the same day Guterres arrived, including forced evacuation orders across Beirut and the Litani bridge strike.

Actor responses

NATOSUPPORTINGRESPONSE

The United Nations Secretary-General's call for a ceasefire and end to armed groups in Lebanon reflects the international community's position. NATO supports Lebanese sovereignty and a political solution.

HezbollahOPPOSINGCONDEMNATION

Guterres's visit serves the agenda of the enemy and those who want to disarm the resistance. Lebanon's sovereignty is defended by Hezbollah, not betrayed by it. We will not lay down our arms.

IsraelNEUTRALRESPONSE

Israel supports Lebanese sovereignty and welcomes international calls for Hezbollah disarmament. Operations continue against Hezbollah military infrastructure as long as the threat persists.

Related signals (1)

António Guterres, UN Secretary-General@@antonioguterresHIGH

I have arrived in Beirut in solidarity with the Lebanese people. I call on Hezbollah and Israel to negotiate a ceasefire to stop the war and allow Lebanon to become fully sovereign and independent. This is no longer the time of armed groups.