United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert intensified her diplomatic engagements as tensions escalated in and beyond Lebanon in response to the near-simultaneous explosions of communication devices on 17 and 18 September. The Special Coordinator consulted with Lebanese and Israeli actors, as well as other regional stakeholders, urging all to refrain from any further actions or bellicose rhetoric which could trigger a wider conflagration. Deeply concerned by the attack, which, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry, left over 30 people dead, including children, with thousands of others injured, the Special Coordinator commended the work of Lebanon’s health service professionals, who, she stressed, had acted with bravery and dedication under enormous strain. She also met with Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib ahead of a Security Council session set for Friday 20 September on the situation in Lebanon. Both stressed that diplomatic channels offer the only route to the restoration of calm and stability. Meanwhile, the Special Coordinator continued coordinated efforts with the leadership of UNIFIL in southern Lebanon to advocate for a return to a cessation of hostilities and the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701.