Pakistan warns UN Security Council of ‘drastic deterioration’ in Lebanon

Pakistan on Tuesday expressed grave concern over the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in Lebanon, warning that ongoing Israeli military operations are causing massive civilian suffering and undermining peace efforts, according to a statement delivered at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on the recent situation in Lebanon.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said he “joined his colleagues in also thanking ASC Martha Phobi for comprehensive but deeply alarming information.”

He told the Council that despite ceasefire agreements and direct talks, “the humanitarian and security situation in Lebanon continues to deteriorate dramatically, with an expansion of Israeli military operations and ground incursions into Lebanese territory.”

He further stated that “two thousand square kilometers, almost 20 percent of Lebanon, are now under illegal Israeli occupation,” adding that “illegal evacuation orders are inflicting even more immense suffering on civilians.”

According to Iftikhar, “it appears to be the same strategy, the same playbook that we have seen elsewhere: indiscriminate killings, forced displacement and occupation.”

The Ambassador told the Council that since March, “more than 3,400 people, including women and children, have been killed and more than 10,000 injured,” while “more than one million are displaced.” It cited U.N. humanitarian assessments that say civilians face “a terrible escalation of violence, displacement and human loss.”

He also raised the alarm about attacks on aid workers, noting that “125 health workers have died and more than 300 have been injured since March, according to the WHO.”

Pakistan further condemned attacks on cultural heritage sites, saying that “the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tire, under enhanced protection, has been attacked, along with the capture of Beaufort Castle.”

Read: Truce in tatters as Israeli troops advance into Lebanon

Iftikhar said that “all these reckless Israeli actions, however condemnable, and which violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, constitute a flagrant violation of international law,” adding that they “seriously undermine diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in Lebanon and the region.”

Reaffirming Pakistan’s diplomatic stance, he said: “Pakistan supports all diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and echoes the Secretary-General’s call to all parties to fully utilize diplomatic channels and recommit to the full implementation of Resolution 1701.”

He stressed that “sustainable peace can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy”, while welcoming “the efforts of the United States to facilitate the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.”

Pakistan also praised Lebanon’s domestic efforts, highlighting “the efforts of the Government of Lebanon to restore stability, strengthen state authority and ensure that the use of force remains the exclusive prerogative of the Lebanese State through its legitimate institutions, with the Lebanese Armed Forces playing a central role.”

However, he warned that “Israeli actions are undermining the efforts of the Lebanese government.”

Concluding Pakistan’s position, Ambassador Iftikhar stated: “We call for full respect for the sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity of Lebanon,” along with the “immediate cessation of hostilities and strict compliance with ceasefire agreements by all parties.”

He also demanded “the full implementation of Resolution 1701, with the total withdrawal of Israel to the Blue Line.”

He added that “a stable and peaceful Lebanon is essential for regional peace and security,” and urged the international community to act “urgently to prevent further escalation and promote a diplomatic solution consistent with international law and the UN Charter.”

Pakistan reaffirmed its solidarity, stating that it “stands in solidarity with the people and Government of Lebanon and will continue to support all efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability and hope in the region.”

Israeli troops on Monday seized the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon and established control over its strategic ridge, marking a significant escalation in military operations against the country despite an internationally negotiated ceasefire that has struggled to hold for more than six weeks.

The escalation follows one of the most intense days of rocket and drone firing by Hezbollah against northern Israel since the April ceasefire, which briefly reduced the intensity of the conflict but never completely stopped hostilities. Israel reported school closures and civil restrictions after fresh attacks from southern Lebanon.

The broader conflict has already caused serious humanitarian consequences. Lebanese officials estimate more than 3,370 deaths since hostilities escalated in March, while more than 1.2 million people have been displaced by Israeli attacks and evacuation orders. On the Israeli side, authorities report the deaths of 24 soldiers and four civilians, along with tens of thousands of displaced residents of northern communities.

Hezbollah has continued to deploy drones and low-explosive rockets against Israeli positions, and the Israeli military acknowledges ongoing engagements along the border despite ceasefire agreements.