UNIFIL Accuses Israeli Forces of Damaging Its Property and Lebanese Military Infrastructure in Southern Lebanon
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Beirut, Jan 5 (NationPress) The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has raised allegations against the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for the destruction of its property along with the infrastructure of the Lebanese Armed Forces in southern Lebanon.
"This morning, peacekeepers witnessed an IDF bulldozer demolishing a blue barrel that signifies the withdrawal line between Lebanon and Israel in Labbouneh, as well as an observation tower belonging to the Lebanese Armed Forces right next to a UNIFIL position," UNIFIL reported on the social media platform X.
"The IDF's intentional and direct destruction of both clearly marked UNIFIL property and infrastructure of the Lebanese Armed Forces constitutes a blatant violation of Resolution 1701 and international law," the statement declared.
UNIFIL urged all parties involved to refrain from actions, including the demolition of civilian property and infrastructure, that could jeopardize the cessation of hostilities, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
On the same day, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric, during her visit to Lebanon, emphasized that "civilians cannot afford for the ceasefire to fail, which would plunge them back into severe conflict leading to more casualties and devastation."
"Preserving the ceasefire is crucial for families to return home, rebuild their lives, and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need," Spoljaric was quoted as stating in an ICRC announcement.
"The extent of devastation and the overwhelming humanitarian requirements in Lebanon could have been significantly lessened if the involved parties had fully complied with the rules of warfare," she remarked.
A ceasefire, facilitated by the United States and France, came into effect on November 27, 2024, with the aim of halting nearly 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The terms of this ceasefire agreement stipulate Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territory within 60 days, while the Lebanese army is to be deployed along the Lebanese-Israeli border and in the southern region, taking over security responsibilities and prohibiting any presence of weapons and militants.
Despite the ceasefire accord, the Israeli military has continued to conduct strikes in Lebanon, albeit at a markedly reduced frequency, with some actions resulting in casualties.
