The escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has led to widespread destruction of towns and villages in southern Lebanon, according to the UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL.
Andrea Tenenti, the UNIFIL spokesman, emphasized the importance of the peacekeeping force's presence, despite repeated attacks on their positions by Israeli forces.
"The escalation along the Blue Line has caused widespread destruction of towns and villages in southern Lebanon, while rockets continue to be launched towards Israel, including civilian areas," said Tenenti during a media briefing in Geneva, via video link from Beirut.
"The devastation and destruction of many villages along the Blue Line and even beyond is shocking," he added.
Tenenti stressed that UNIFIL's role is crucial in restoring stability and peace to the region. He also noted that the peacekeepers have faced multiple "deliberate attacks" attributed to Israeli forces, drawing international criticism. However, the Israeli Army denies targeting UNIFIL or its positions.
UNIFIL, established in 1978 to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, currently has over 10,000 peacekeepers from 52 countries, demonstrating a significant international commitment to stabilizing the region.
Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in cross-border fire for over a year, with Hezbollah claiming its actions are in response to Israel's ground and air assaults in Gaza. The conflict has already displaced tens of thousands of people on both sides and intensified further after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to crush Hezbollah last month.
With AFP
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