The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, expressed deep concern on Friday over the latest exchange of fire across the Blue Line, marking the second such incident in less than a week.

“This is a critical period for Lebanon and the wider region. Any exchange of fire is one too many,” Hennis-Plasschaert said in a statement. “A return to wider conflict in Lebanon would be devastating for civilians on both sides of the Blue Line and must be avoided at all costs.”

The UN envoy urged all parties to exercise restraint, warning that renewed hostilities could further destabilize an already fragile situation.

Hennis-Plasschaert called for the implementation of long-standing international commitments to prevent further violence.

“It is high time to realize the commitments made in the Cessation of Hostilities Understanding of November 2024 and to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006), which contains the formula to ending recurrent cycles of violence,” she said.

Reaffirming the UN’s role in maintaining regional stability, Hennis-Plasschaert stressed that the organization remains actively engaged in diplomatic efforts.

“The United Nations remains committed to working with all relevant stakeholders in preventing further escalation and making resolution 1701 a reality,” she said.