UN condemns Israel strikes, says civilians and peacekeepers affected
The United Nations has strongly condemned Israeli strikes across Lebanon that it said caused significant civilian casualties, urging all sides to stop the fighting and return to diplomacy.
At a press briefing, the Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Farhan Haq, said the loss of civilian life was unacceptable and called on all parties to use diplomatic channels, cease hostilities and recommit to the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
"The ceasefire between the US and Iran offers an opportunity to prevent further loss of lives between Lebanon and Israel. We urge all concerned to abide by the ceasefire. Now is the time to pursue talks to resolve outstanding differences and work towards a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution to the conflict," Haq said.
He also added that UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon continued to be affected by the violence. It said six UNIFIL personnel were injured on Thursday after rocket and artillery fire near Atteri in Sector West, with one suffering a shrapnel wound and five others affected by acoustic trauma. UN vehicles were also damaged.
Separately, the UN said Israeli forces briefly detained a UNIFIL peacekeeper after blocking a logistics convoy, before releasing the person less than an hour later following direct intervention by mission officials. The organisation said the detention violated international law and called for an immediate end to any intimidation or interference with its peacekeeping operations.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
