As late as on Sunday, the Iran-backed Shia militia Hezbollah's deputy leader Naim Qassem emphasized that the militia has entered a "new phase" in the battles with Israel, which he calls a "settlement in the open".
We are ready for all military possibilities, he says.
The statement was made in connection with a memorial service for a leading Hezbollah member who was killed in an Israeli attack on Beirut on Friday.
The warnings do not only come from the UN Secretary-General, but also the UK and the EU are expressing their concern. US President Joe Biden tells reporters on the White House lawn that his government will "do everything we can to prevent a larger war from breaking out", writes AFP.
British Foreign Minister David Lammy points out the "alarming escalation" and the fear of a full-scale war.
Our message to all parties is clear. We need an immediate ceasefire from both sides so that we can reach a political settlement, so that Israelis and Lebanese civilians can return to their homes and live in peace and security, he says in a speech during a Labour conference.
Even the EU's Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell demands an "urgent ceasefire".
"The European Union is extremely concerned about an escalation in Lebanon after the attacks in Beirut on Friday", he says in a statement.
