UN warns Israel over airstrikes near peacekeepers in southern Lebanon

The United Nations has issued a renewed warning to Israel over a series of airstrikes conducted near UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, labeling the attacks "clear violations" of Security Council Resolution 1701. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated on Friday that peacekeepers from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) observed the Israeli strikes on Thursday afternoon within their operational area, even as Lebanese Armed Forces were conducting operations to control unauthorized weapons.

Separate Armed Attack on UN Vehicle

In a separate incident late Thursday, UNIFIL personnel were approached by six individuals on mopeds near Bint Jbeil, with one man firing approximately three shots into the back of a UN vehicle. Dujarric emphasized that "attacks on peacekeepers are unacceptable and serious violations of resolution 1701," and called on Lebanese authorities to ensure the safety of peacekeepers and investigate the incident immediately to bring perpetrators to justice.

Violations of Resolution 1701 and Ceasefire Context

Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006, mandates a cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel and the establishment of a weapons-free zone south of the Litani River. The UN spokesperson urged the Israeli military to utilize existing liaison and coordination mechanisms to address security concerns. These incidents occur despite a ceasefire agreed upon last year between Israel and Lebanon, which has failed to halt violence entirely.

Ongoing Violence and Unfulfilled Withdrawal

Since the ceasefire took effect in November 2024, Lebanon's Health Ministry reports at least 335 people killed and 973 wounded in over 1,000 Israeli attacks. Furthermore, the Israeli army has not fully complied with the ceasefire's terms, which stipulated a complete withdrawal from southern Lebanon by January 2025. Instead, it maintains a military presence at five border outposts, contributing to persistent tensions and violations of the UN-brokered agreement.