GENEVA: The UN humanitarian chief voiced alarm Wednesday at the prospect of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza spreading to Lebanon, warning that it was “potentially apocalyptic.”
As the war in Gaza nears its tenth month, Israel’s top ally the United States has warned of the risk of a major conflict against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, following an escalation in cross-border fire.
Israel’s military said last week plans for an offensive in Lebanon were “approved and validated,” prompting fresh threats from Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah.
Martin Griffiths, the UN humanitarian coordinator, told reporters in Geneva that he saw Lebanon as “the flashpoint beyond all flashpoints,” pointing to southern Lebanon in particular.
Griffiths said he had been discussing with colleagues in Jerusalem about the prospects of what might happen there.
“We are worried about the potential for further tragedy and deaths,” he said.
“It’s potentially apocalyptic.”
Griffiths, whose term finishes this week, warned that a war involving Lebanon “will draw in Syria... it will draw in others.”
And “it will of course have an impact on Gaza; of course it will have an impact on the West Bank.
“It’s very alarming,” he said.
The bloodiest-ever Gaza war started with Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel that resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.
The militants also seized about 250 hostages, 116 of whom remain in Gaza although the army says 42 are dead.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 37,718 people, also mostly civilians, Gaza’s health ministry has said.
Since the war began, “Gaza has taught us a new level of tragedy and cruelty,” Griffiths said.
“But we are all worried that it may only be the beginning.”
He said the UN humanitarian agency OCHA and other aid agencies were preparing for a broader crisis.
“There is a lot of preparedness on the aid side,” he said. But the kind of preparedness needed was “political,” he stressed.
“The problem is stopping this war from getting worse.”
Spread of Mideast war to Lebanon ‘potentially apocalyptic’: UN aid chief
https://arab.news/zw4af
Spread of Mideast war to Lebanon ‘potentially apocalyptic’: UN aid chief
- Martin Griffiths, the UN humanitarian coordinator, told reporters in Geneva that he saw Lebanon as “the flashpoint beyond all flashpoints“
- “We are worried about the potential for further tragedy and deaths“
Jordan-India partnership expanding across trade, technology and energy, says envoy
- Indian Ambassador to Jordan Manish Chauhan described ties between the two countries as longstanding and built on mutual trust
AMMAN: Jordan and India are deepening cooperation across a wide range of sectors including trade, digital technology, renewable energy and infrastructure, Indian Ambassador to Jordan Manish Chauhan said Saturday.
Speaking to Jordan News Agency, Chauhan described ties between the two countries as longstanding and built on mutual trust, adding that relations span political, economic, defense, security, cultural and educational cooperation.
He said regular political dialogue continues between the two countries, and highlighted the fourth round of foreign ministry consultations held in Amman in April 2025 and a fifth round due to take place in New Delhi.
Chauhan also highlighted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Jordan as a major milestone, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
During the visit, Modi praised the leadership of King Abdullah II and said Jordan and India share a “strong” contemporary partnership rooted in deep cultural ties.
The Indian premier also commended Jordan’s growing role as a regional bridge connecting markets and fostering business and economic growth.
The ambassador said discussions between King Abdullah II and Modi highlighted a shared commitment to expanding cooperation, particularly in renewable energy, water management, digital transformation, cultural exchange and heritage.
India is Jordan’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at about $2.8 billion, JNA reported.
Chauhan said both sides are now working toward doubling trade to $5 billion over the next five years.
He added that opportunities for business collaboration are emerging in several sectors, including digital public infrastructure, fintech, health-tech and agri-tech, as well as sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, green mobility, agriculture, food processing and heritage tourism.
On regional issues, Chauhan highlighted India’s longstanding support for Palestine, adding that New Delhi was among the first non-Arab states to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization in the 1970s and the Palestinian state in 1988.
The ambassador said that the Indian Embassy in Amman remained committed to advancing the growing partnership in close coordination with Jordanian counterparts.
