UN officials in Lebanon warn Hezbollah and Israel against 'miscalculation'

Two Lebanon-based United Nations officials have said that they are "deeply concerned" about the recent escalation on the Israel-Lebanon border.

"The danger of miscalculation leading to a sudden and wider conflict is very real," said U.N. special coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and head of the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Aroldo Lazaro.

In a joint statement, they urged "all actors to cease their fire and commit to working toward a political and diplomatic solution."

“As communities in Lebanon and around the world celebrate Eid Al-Adha, the U.N. family reiterates its call for all actors along the Blue Line to put down their weapons and commit to a path of peace,” the officials said.

“Since October, we have seen too many lives lost, families uprooted, and neighborhoods destroyed. We are deeply concerned about the escalation we have seen recently. The danger of miscalculation leading to a sudden and wider conflict is very real, and we continue to engage with the parties and urge all actors to cease their fire and commit to working toward a political and diplomatic solution -- which is the only lasting solution,” they added.

“On this Eid al-Adha, we wish everyone celebrating compassion, harmony, and -- most of all -- peace,” Hennis-Plasschaert and Lazaro said.