UN peacekeepers warn of escalating violence in Lebanon

UN warnings

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon said Thursday it is deeply concerned about escalating violence in southern Lebanon, warning that 670 projectiles were fired Wednesday in the highest volume since April 17 without specifying which side launched them. The mission noted that civilians continue to bear the heaviest impact of hostilities, with hundreds of thousands forced to flee their homes — often at very short notice.

UNIFIL added that damage to homes, roads and essential infrastructure is severely affecting daily life and recovery efforts, and that it continues to engage with the parties to help reduce tensions and remind them of their obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Israeli strikes and retaliation

Israeli strikes killed at least 15 people, including children, across southern Lebanon on Thursday amid continued violations of a ceasefire agreement, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency and the Health Ministry. Hezbollah announced Wednesday it carried out 37 attacks targeting Israeli forces and military positions in southern Lebanon and northern Israel, saying the operations were conducted in defense of Lebanon and in response to Israeli ceasefire violations.

Expanded offensive

Since March 2, Israel has been conducting an expanded offensive on Lebanon, killing more than 3,200 people, injuring over 9,600 and displacing north of 1.6 million, according to official figures. The Israeli army has continued daily attacks despite a US-mediated ceasefire that took effect on April 17 and was later extended to early July.