France convened a special meeting of the UN Security Council to address the worsening crisis in Lebanon, where tensions between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants have intensified along the Blue Line. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged Council members to collaborate closely in efforts to halt the violence, warning, “Hell is breaking loose in Lebanon.” He noted that the exchanges of fire in the region have increased significantly in scope and intensity, violating key Council resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1701 (2006).
“To all sides, let us say in one clear voice: Stop the killing and destruction. Tone down the rhetoric and threats. Step back from the brink,” Guterres implored. He also highlighted the urgent need for enhanced international action to address the protracted 17-month conflict in Sudan, emphasizing the critical humanitarian response required both within the country and in the broader region.
“People in Sudan have endured 17 months of hell, and the suffering continues to grow,” stated Joyce Msuya, the UN’s top relief official. She described the catastrophic toll on civilians, with thousands killed, entire communities displaced, and urgent needs for food and safety unmet. “Decisive international action is urgent. We need humanitarian access to everyone in need, increased funding, and ironclad commitments to protect civilians.”
Amid these discussions, leaders from small island developing states raised alarms about the existential threat posed by climate-driven sea-level rise, which jeopardizes the livelihoods of nations around the world. In a day-long dialogue, nearly 100 speakers voiced concerns over financing for mitigation and adaptation efforts.
UN General Assembly President Philémon Yang warned that sea levels could rise by 20 centimeters between 2020 and 2050, potentially displacing up to 1.2 billion people. “For those on the front lines, the impacts of rising seas threaten livelihoods and can force the displacement of entire island populations and coastal communities,” he stated.
The leaders of small island states united in their call for urgent international action and financial support to combat climate change, emphasizing their nations are already suffering its effects. Their message was clear: the time for action is now, and global solidarity is essential.
