UN warns of 'imminent catastrophe' in Middle East

The United Nations has warned that the Middle East is facing a catastrophic situation, stating that the region is "on the brink of an imminent catastrophe”.

"It cannot be overstated enough: there is no military solution that will make either side safer," UN special coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert was reported as saying by dpa.

She was referring to the ongoing exchanges between Israel's army and Hezbollah in Lebanon, which continued through the night.

Both sides have engaged in some of the most intense shelling since their renewed confrontations began nearly a year ago.

The UN observer mission UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) has been monitoring the Israel-Lebanon border since 1978.

Last month, three Unifil soldiers were slightly injured by an explosion near their vehicle in southern Lebanon.

The mission involves around 10,000 troops and 800 civilians. Since its inception nearly 50 years ago, more than 300 UN peacekeepers have lost their lives.

- Bernama

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