UN reports over 10,000 Israeli violations since Lebanon ceasefire

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon has recorded over 10,000 violations by Israeli air and ground forces since a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah took effect in November 2024. In a statement marking the first anniversary of the truce, UNIFIL emphasized that complete adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 remains the only viable path to sustainable peace along the Lebanon-Israel border.

Peacekeeping Efforts and Ongoing Challenges

Throughout the past year, UNIFIL has worked to stabilize southern Lebanon through continuous patrols and by supporting the Lebanese army's redeployment. The mission has also assisted in clearing roads and hazards while working to establish exclusive control of weapons south of the Litani River. Despite these efforts, significant challenges persist, including the presence of unauthorized weapons and the maintenance of Israeli military positions inside Lebanese territory.

Human Cost and Ceasefire Background

UNIFIL stressed that civilians on both sides of the Blue Line, the de facto border between Lebanon and Israel, "have suffered greatly because of this conflict." The ceasefire agreement, reached on November 27, 2024, concluded more than a year of hostilities that began in October 2023 and escalated into a full-scale offensive in September 2024. The conflict resulted in over 4,000 fatalities and 17,000 injuries from Israeli attacks.

Incomplete Israeli Withdrawal

Under the terms of the ceasefire, the Israeli army was scheduled to complete its withdrawal from southern Lebanon in January. However, Israel has only partially withdrawn its forces and continues to maintain a military presence at five border outposts inside Lebanese territory, constituting a significant violation of the agreement and contributing to ongoing tensions in the region.