The UN is deeply concerned at the increase in the intensity of exchanges of fire across the Blue Line yesterday, which heightens the risk of a full-scale war. Escalation can and must be avoided. We reiterate that the danger of miscalculation leading to a sudden and wider conflagration is real. A political and diplomatic solution is the only viable way forward. 

On 4 July, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lebanese Parliament visited UNIFIL to express support for UNIFIL and resolution 1701. Also yesterday, the UN Special Coordinator, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, met with Lebanese officials, including Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, underscoring the need for de-escalation across the Blue Line.

We echo the appeals of UNSCOL and UNIFIL urging the parties to immediately return to a cessation of hostilities and to recommit to the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).