UN peacekeepers urge Israel to respect ceasefire in South Lebanon

The United Nations peacekeeping force has expressed concerns about the “continuing destruction” carried out by the Israeli military in South Lebanon, despite a ceasefire that came into effect nearly a month ago. 

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire by infringing on Lebanese sovereignty and destroying villages and towns in the south. “There is concern at continuing destruction by the IDF in residential areas, agricultural land, and road networks in south Lebanon”, a statement published on Thursday reads. “This is in violation of resolution 1701”. 

The ceasefire, implemented on 27 November, followed two months of intense conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah. Under the agreement, the Lebanese Armed Forces and UN peacekeepers are tasked with maintaining peace in the region, while Israel is required to withdraw its forces within 60 days. 

Withdrawal

However, Israel and Hezbollah have accused each other of repeated violations of the agreement. On Thursday, the Lebanese Armed Forces reported bolstering its presence in several southern areas where “Israeli troops have intruded”, particularly around Qantara and Wadi al-Hujair, approximately 10 kilometers from the border. ​ 

The UN peacekeeping force reiterated its call for a “timely withdrawal” of Israeli troops and the “full implementation” of Resolution 1701 (originally established after the 2006 war). “Any actions that risk the fragile cessation of hostilities must cease”, the statement added. 

^{Armoured vehicles of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrol the streets of the southern area of Marjayoun near the border with Israel © AFP}