As fighting continued in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday, departing UN humanitarian director Martin Griffiths issued a stark warning about the expansion of the Israel-Hamas conflict to Lebanon, describing it as “potentially apocalyptic.”
Griffiths highlighted Lebanon’s southern border with Israel as the most volatile flashpoint, emphasizing the grave consequences of a broader regional conflict.
A war involving Lebanon would likely draw in Syria and other regional actors, Griffiths told media in Geneva, underscoring the severe implications. His term as UN humanitarian coordinator ends this week.
In light of these tensions, Germany urged its nationals in Lebanon to leave immediately, following a similar advisory from Canada. Berlin’s foreign ministry reinforced this warning, citing the potential for an escalation at any time.
Witnesses in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah reported intense combat between Israeli troops and Palestinian militants, amid fears of a wider war. The United States, Israel’s key ally, also issued a warning about the risk of a major conflict with Hezbollah due to increased cross-border skirmishes.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized diplomacy as the best way to prevent further escalation, while Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated Israel’s preparedness for any scenario. The situation remains highly volatile, with both nations bracing for potential developments.
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