UN deeply concerned over latest Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon – JURIST
The UN expressed “deep concern” on Tuesday over the escalation of violence in Lebanon following an Israeli attack in southern Beirut. The airstrike that morning reportedly killed four and injured several civilians. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claim they targeted a Hezbollah official.
This attack follows another Israeli airstrike in Beirut last Friday, despite ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah that has been in effect since November. The agreement articulates the cessation of hostilities, and withdrawal of Hezbollah and Israeli troops from southern Lebanon. However, both parties have accused the other of violating the terms of the agreement since its inception.
At a press briefing, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated:
The UN reiterates the calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from further escalatory activities, which endanger civilians and jeopardize the progress already made to restore stability on both sides of the Blue Line.
The “Blue Line” refers to the UN-drawn line between Lebanon and Israel. Security Council Resolution 1701, established in 2006, calls for a permanent ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli forces past the Blue Line. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is a peacekeeping mission that deploys forces along the demilitarized zone to monitor the cessation of hostilities and ensure peace. The ceasefire agreement of November 2024 is centered around recommitment to the 2006 resolution.
Over the weekend, UNIFIL peacekeepers reported warning shots fired across the Blue line by the IDF. Dejarric called the action “a clear violation of resolution 1701” and emphasized the importance of both parties adhering to the resolution to cease hostilities. He added that “Any attempt to interfere with peacekeepers’ mandated duties and any act that compromises their safety is unacceptable.”
The IDF claimed Tuesday’s attack “eliminated” Hassan Bdeir, a member of Hezbollah and Iran’s Qud Force. They allege Bderi assisted Hamas in a terrorist attack against Israeli civilians. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called the strike a breach of the resolution and the ceasefire agreement.
These attacks have occurred in the context of the broader escalation of violence within the region. The IDF initiated additional attacks on Gaza last month after a two-month ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel. The UN reported increased devastation and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza following the hostilities, with hundreds of Palestinians killed and injured.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of war crimes and crimes against humanity in violation of International Humanitarian Law outlined in the Rome Statute. There is also an ongoing International Court of Justice case against Israel alleging the crime of genocide in Gaza.
