Beirut: The escalating influence of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah on Lebanese civilians ‘is of grave concern,’ UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Monday, condemning the growing loss of life.
According to Anadolu Agency, Dujarric emphasized the importance of adhering to international law and safeguarding civilians and civilian infrastructure. He noted that UN peacekeeping forces stationed along the Blue Line, the de facto boundary between Lebanon and Israel, have also been affected by the hostilities.
Dujarric called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, stating that “the United Nations continues to support efforts toward a cease-fire and a diplomatic solution.” He highlighted ongoing actions by the Israeli army in southern Lebanon and the Lebanese Hezbollah group’s continued launches of drones and rockets toward Israel.
On Saturday, Israeli troop demolition operations caused damage to a UN position near Markaba, affecting its containers and perimeters. Additionally, a nearby explosion damaged
a UN vehicle at the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) headquarters in Naqoura, though no injuries were reported.
The regional tensions have intensified due to Israel’s offensive on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in nearly 43,400 deaths, predominantly of women and children, following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas in October last year. As the conflict extended into Lebanon with deadly Israeli strikes, more than 3,000 people have been killed and nearly 13,500 injured since last year, as reported by Lebanese health authorities.
Despite warnings of a potential regional war amid Israel’s persistent attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, Tel Aviv escalated the situation by launching a ground assault into southern Lebanon on October 1.