ISTANBUL

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Saturday he sees an "atmosphere of opportunity" in Lebanon.

Guterres highlighted progress but persistent tensions following his solidarity visit to Lebanon.

"After one of the most difficult years in generations, Lebanon is on the cusp of a more hopeful future," Guterres said at a news conference in Beirut, noting that a window has opened for a new era of institutional stability.

The UN chief said he witnessed first-hand the destruction in southern Lebanon during his visit, where hundreds of thousands of residents have returned to find their homes and communities in ruins.

He said the Israeli army has begun a phased withdrawal from Lebanese territory, while the Lebanese Armed Forces are increasing their presence south of the Litani River. Guterres expressed concern, however, about continued demolitions of buildings and infrastructure in southern Lebanon, as well as fatal airstrikes.

Israel continues to violate a ceasefire agreement signed Nov. 27 and has committed more than 560 violations of the deal, resulting in 37 deaths and 45 injuries.

'Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected'

Guterres said the UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, has discovered more than 100 unguarded weapons and ammunition caches in the past 40 days and promptly shared their locations with Lebanese forces.

UN Security Council "Resolution 1701 is clear: The area between the Blue Line and Litani River must be free of all armed personnel, assets and weapons other than those of the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL," Guterres emphasized.

He urged full implementation of 1701, which requires an Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese military deployment across southern Lebanon within an agreed timeframe.

"Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, and the Lebanese state must have full control of weapons throughout Lebanese territory," he added.

Guterres also acknowledged Israeli victims of the conflict, expressing hope that those who have been displaced on both sides can soon return home and resume their lives.

The UN chief urged the international community to strengthen support for the Lebanese Armed Forces while pledging intensified UN backing for recovery and reconstruction efforts across Lebanon.

A fragile ceasefire has been in place since Nov. 27, ending a period of mutual shelling between Israel and the Lebanese resistance group, Hezbollah, that began Oct. 8, 2023, and escalated into full-scale conflict on Sept. 23.