UNIFIL 'seriously concerned' over Israeli evacuation orders in Lebanon

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) issued a stark warning Wednesday regarding Israel's expanded military operations in southern Lebanon, expressing "serious concern" over evacuation orders affecting civilians in its area of operation. The mission's statement highlighted escalating Israeli military activities as ground incursions and airstrikes continue across the border region.

Evacuation demands and military movements

"UNIFIL notes with serious concern the latest Israel Defense Forces (IDF) statement demanding evacuation of the civilian population from UNIFIL's area of operations to north of the Litani river," the mission stated. Peacekeepers observed "several IDF movements and military activities" near multiple towns including El Khiam, Beit Lif, Yaroun, Houla, Kfar Kila, Kherbeh and Kfar Shouba, "all of these are happening while Israeli airstrikes and other air activities continue."

Violations of international law

The statement emphasized that Israeli actions not only violate UN Resolution 1701—which demanded a halt to hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah—but also constitute violations of "Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity." UNIFIL reiterated its call "to all actors to exercise maximum restraint and redouble efforts to prevent the current situation from spiraling out of control."

UN chief's concern

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric conveyed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' deep "concern" about the situation in Lebanon, noting particular worry "about the impact of hostilities on the civilian population." Citing local sources, Dujarric reported that "since the onset of the renewed hostilities, at least 80,000 people have sought refuge in collective shelters in Lebanon."

Humanitarian crisis deepens

Dujarric highlighted severe funding challenges, stating that "even prior to this escalation, the humanitarian community was aiming to reach 1.5 million vulnerable people with humanitarian aid through the $1.6 billion 2026 appeal." He warned that "our partners are now responding with fewer financial and human resources than in previous years," limiting "the scale and speed of assistance at a time when needs are rising sharply." He urged additional funding to "sustain and expand life-saving operations."

Broader conflict context

Israel has repeatedly violated the November 2024 ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, carrying out near-daily strikes that have left hundreds dead and wounded. Israel's offensive against Lebanon began in October 2023 and escalated into full-scale war in September 2024, killing more than 4,000 people and wounding 17,000. The current ground incursion, combined with massive evacuation orders, threatens to displace hundreds of thousands more as hostilities show no signs of abating.