UNITED NATIONS, United States, Sept 20, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - The United Nations said Friday it was "very concerned" after Israeli strikes hit the Lebanese capital Beirut, and urged all parties to exercise "maximum restraint."

"We are, of course, very concerned about the heightened escalation... including the deadly strikes we saw in Beirut today. We urge all parties to deescalate immediately. All must exercise maximum restraint," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.