Beirut, March 13 (NationPress) The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, on Friday emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, aiming to restore Lebanon's sovereignty and stability.

During his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut, Guterres expressed his visit as a gesture of friendship towards the Lebanese people, affirming his full support. He stated, "Sadly, Lebanon has been pulled into a conflict that its citizens never wished for."

Guterres conveyed his aspiration to return to a peaceful Lebanon, where the state has exclusive authority over force and where its territorial integrity is respected, according to a statement released by the UN Information Centre.

He remarked, "The era of armed factions has passed. It is now the time for robust governance."

In response, Aoun highlighted the dire circumstances, noting that over 800,000 individuals have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict. He stressed the importance of addressing their needs and extended gratitude to the UN for its assistance.

Aoun urged for an end to the Israeli strikes and expressed hope for enhanced international support during this critical juncture.

Meanwhile, a Lebanese economic official, referencing data from professional associations, reported that Lebanon's commercial production has plummeted by 50%, with sales of non-essential goods dropping by 60-80%.

Furthermore, industrial and agricultural outputs have decreased by approximately 50% and 40%, respectively, primarily due to the halting of production facilities nationwide and disrupted exports to Gulf nations, as stated by Mohammad Choucair, president of the Beirut and Mount Lebanon Chamber of Commerce.

In the tourism sector, hotel occupancy has fallen to 10-15%, while restaurants have experienced a staggering 90% decline in activity. Travel agencies have also reported an 80% drop in business.

Choucair cautioned that a prolonged conflict could lead to numerous businesses shutting down, jeopardizing thousands of jobs and exacerbating Lebanon's economic and social crises.

Since the commencement of the US-Israeli offensive against Iran on February 28, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have significantly intensified, with Hezbollah launching rocket attacks on northern Israeli areas and Israel responding with strikes on southern and eastern Lebanon, targeting sites believed to be associated with Hezbollah operations.

The World Health Organisation reported on Wednesday that there have been 634 fatalities and 1,586 injuries recorded in Lebanon since the onset of the Middle East conflict.