Lebanon: UN peacekeeping force condemns Israeli breach of ceasefire with Hezbollah
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has denounced Israel over a “flagrant violation” of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which underpins the fragile ceasefire agreement established in November 2023 between Israel and Hezbollah.
The truce, effective since November 27, has seen repeated mutual accusations of breaches. On Saturday, UNIFIL reported observing Israeli military actions in Labbouneh, where a bulldozer destroyed a blue barrel marking the withdrawal line and an observation tower belonging to the Lebanese Armed Forces near a UNIFIL position.
“The deliberate and direct destruction of both clearly identifiable UNIFIL property and infrastructure belonging to the Lebanese Armed Forces is a flagrant violation of Resolution 1701 and international law,” UNIFIL stated. The force urged all parties to avoid actions that jeopardize the cessation of hostilities.
Under the agreement, the Lebanese army is to deploy in the south alongside UN peacekeepers as Israeli forces withdraw within a 60-day period. Meanwhile, Hezbollah is to retreat north of the Litani River and dismantle military infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, however, issued a stark warning. “We are giving an opportunity to prevent Israeli violations and to implement the agreement,” he said, but emphasized that patience would not last indefinitely. “The leadership of the resistance determines when to exercise patience, when to take initiative, and when to respond.”
The Israeli military, justifying its recent actions, stated it was acting to neutralize threats to Israel “in accordance with the ceasefire understandings.” UNIFIL has expressed growing concern over the ongoing damage caused by such operations.
