UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is “deeply concerned” by an overnight intense exchange of cross-border fire by Israel and Hezbollah, his spokesperson said Sunday.

“These actions put both the Lebanese and Israeli populations at risk, as well as threatening regional security and stability,” Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

“The Secretary-General calls for immediate de-escalation and on the parties to urgently and immediately return to a cessation of hostilities and fully implement resolution 1701 (2006)” he added.