UNIFIL: Israeli Attacks In South Lebanon Violate UN Resolution

UN peacekeeping Forces (UNIFIL) in Lebanon/UNIFIL

JAKARTA - The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) condemned Israel's airstrikes in southern Lebanon, considering it a violation of the 1701 Resolution of the Security Council and warned it was at risk of damaging regional stability.

"Last night's airstrike by Israel to southern Lebanon was a violation of the resolution of 1701 Security Council and jeopardized the fragile stability that has been built since November last year," the UNIFIL statement said.

"They further undermine the belief of civilians that a non-violent solution to this conflict can be done," he continued.

However, these troops ensure that they continue to support both parties in implementing the resolution of 1701

"UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army are on the pitch every day, trying to restore stability in the southern region and along the Blue Line," the statement said.

UNIFIL stated that troops in two areas, namely Deir Kifa and Burj Qalawieh, were forced to seek protection during the attack.

"The attack endangered the lives of Lebanese soldiers, UN security guards, and civilians," the UN mission said in a statement.

The force called on Israel to refrain from attacking further and withdrawing all troops from Lebanese territory.

UNIFIL asked all parties to carry out their commitments under Resolution 1701 and the Enmity Termination Agreement.

These mechanisms exist specifically to solve problems and avoid unilateral use of violence, and must be fully used, UNIFIL said.

On Thursday, Israeli warplanes launched a wave of airstrikes in southern Lebanon claiming to strike Hezbollah's military target.

The ceasefire was reached in November 2024 following a cross-border attack between the Hezbollah group and Israel since October 2023.

The action of attacking each other escalated to a full-scale Israeli war in September 2024, killing more than 4,000 people and injuring about 17,000 people.

Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel was supposed to withdraw completely from southern Lebanon in January, but in fact the Israeli side only withdrew part of the troops and maintained military presence at five border posts.