The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which monitors developments in southern Lebanon, said the Israeli army fired 113 munitions into the area on Wednesday. According to UNIFIL, this was the highest number of munitions recorded in a single day since June 21.
The United Nations force said it monitored violations of Lebanese airspace and military activities on the ground on a daily basis. It said that although the level of violence had fallen significantly compared with previous months, the overall situation remained fragile.
Resolution 1701 and calls for stability in southern Lebanon
UNIFIL personnel continued to monitor developments, submit reports to the United Nations Security Council and carry out their activities. The United Nations force also maintained communication with the parties to help reduce tensions.
UNIFIL stressed that Resolution 1701 must be implemented to de-escalate tensions and restore full stability in southern Lebanon. It said dialogue and coordination were also necessary to achieve this goal. The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted the resolution in 2006 to end the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
Two people killed in southern Lebanon
The Israeli army expanded its attacks in southern Lebanon from Wednesday onward. Towns including Tebnin, Mansouri and Burj al-Shamali were targeted in artillery fire and airstrikes.
According to the Lebanese Health Ministry’s preliminary toll, two people were killed and at least 20 were injured in the attacks.
Tensions rise as talks continue in Rome
Tensions rose in the area as the seventh round of direct talks between Lebanon and Israel continued in Rome. The Israeli army said an officer and a soldier were killed and four soldiers were injured after an explosive device detonated in southern Lebanon, and accused Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire agreement.
As of 13:53 UTC on Thursday, Hezbollah had not issued a statement on the Israeli army’s allegations.
Israeli military analysts said questions remained after the incident occurred inside a building in the town of Majdal Zoun. They said it was unclear when the explosive device had been placed, whether it was old or newly installed, and why Israeli soldiers had entered the building before completing their inspection.
The analysts also raised the possibility that the incident could have been connected to Lebanese residents returning to the nearby town of Mansouri.
Israeli army attacks on Lebanon have continued since March 2. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, 4,333 people have been killed and 12,250 injured during this period.
Ridvan Sezer | Editor-in-Chief
