The United Nations (UN) has warned that ongoing Israeli attacks in Lebanon could jeopardise a fragile ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, raising concerns over further instability in the region.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the continued military operations in Lebanon pose a serious threat to broader efforts aimed at achieving lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

He called on all parties involved to immediately cease hostilities and return to diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.

Guterres also condemned the loss of civilian lives and expressed deep concern over the rising number of casualties resulting from the attacks.

Separately, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) denounced the scale of destruction and fatalities reported in Lebanon.

According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, at least 182 people were killed and 890 others injured following Israeli strikes carried out on Wednesday.

The attacks included a large-scale bombardment in Beirut, described as among the most intense since hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah began.

Despite a two-week ceasefire agreement reached between Washington and Tehran, Israel has maintained that Lebanon is not covered under the truce.

In response, Hezbollah fighters reportedly launched rockets towards Israel, further heightening tensions.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron has urged that Lebanon be included in the ceasefire framework, stressing the need for broader de-escalation efforts across the region.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE