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08:53 GMT
Beirut – 19-9 (KUNA) - Israeli airstrikes targeting southern Lebanon Thursday evening represent a “direct threat” to the fragile stability achieved last November, the United nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stated Friday. The strikes endanger ongoing efforts to maintain peace and could escalate tensions in the region.
UNIFIL characterized the raids as a “clear and frank violation” of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which aimed to end the 2006 Lebanon War and establish a framework for lasting peace. The continued breaches of the cessation of hostilities agreement undermine civilian confidence in a peaceful resolution and risk reversing hard-won gains. Peacekeepers at two UNIFIL sites were compelled to relocate to safer positions due to the attacks, placing Lebanese soldiers, UNIFIL personnel, and civilians in jeopardy.
UNIFIL has called for an immediate halt to further strikes and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. The organization stressed the necessity for all parties to avoid actions that could lead to increased escalation, urging full adherence to Resolution 1701 and existing understandings regarding the cessation of hostilities.These mechanisms, UNIFIL noted, were specifically designed to address disputes and prevent unilateral recourse to violence.
The recent attacks occurred in a number of villages in southern Lebanon,violating the agreement that came into effect at the end of November last year. UNIFIL warned that continued escalation threatens the progress made by all parties in restoring stability to the region.
