UNIFIL warns of 'devastating consequences' for region in case of further escalation in southern Lebanon

The United Nations Interim Peace Forces (UNIFIL) stand guard holding the flag of the United Nations by the border at the Kafr Shuba region, considered a disputed area between Lebanon and Israel, to ensure security in the town of Kafr Shuba in Nabatieh Governorate, Lebanon on August 28, 2023 [Houssam Shbaro – Anadolu Agency]

The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, (UNIFIL), on Monday warned of “far-reaching and devastating consequences” for the entire region if Israel’s attacks in southern Lebanon continue to escalate, Anadolu Agency reports.

Early Monday, the Israeli army launched wide-scale and intense bombing across southern and eastern areas of Lebanon, leaving hundreds killed and injured.

In a statement, UNIFIL expressed “grave concern for the safety of civilians in southern Lebanon amidst the most intense Israeli bombing campaign since last October.”

It warned that “any further escalation of this dangerous situation could have far-reaching and devastating consequences” not only on Lebanon but on “the broader region”.

UNIFIL said its Head of Mission, Aroldo Lazaro, “has been in contact with both Lebanese and Israeli parties, emphasizing the urgent need for de-escalation. Efforts are ongoing to reduce tensions and halt the shelling.”

“UNIFIL reiterates its strong call for a diplomatic solution and urges all parties to prioritise civilian lives and ensure they are not put in harm’s way,” the statement added.

Lebanese health authorities said at least 274 people, including 21 children, have been killed and 1,024 others injured in Israeli attacks since Monday morning, with thousands of civilians forced to flee their homes.

Tension has mounted between Hezbollah and Israel following a deadly air strike on Friday that killed at least 45 people, including women and children, and injured dozens in a suburb of Beirut.

Hezbollah confirmed that at least 16 of its members, including senior leader Ibrahim Aqil and top commander Ahmed Wahbi, were killed in the Israeli airstrike.

Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in cross-border warfare since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza, which has killed over 41,400 people, mostly women and children, following a cross-border attack by Hamas last 7 October.

READ: Norwegian Refugee Council warns of ‘immense human toll’ of Israel’s air strikes

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