UN Peacekeepers Condemn Attack
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has condemned an attack by the Israeli military after an Israeli tank fired on one of its watchtowers in southern Lebanon. UNIFIL described the attack as “direct and apparently deliberate,” destroying two surveillance cameras and damaging the watchtower. This is one of several similar incidents reported over the past week, raising tensions between Israel and the UN mission.
Cross-Border Fire Intensifies
In southern Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes targeted the city of Nabatieh, killing 16 people, including the local mayor. Lebanon’s government confirmed the deaths, stating that the mayor was attending a crisis meeting on the humanitarian situation when the strike occurred. Israel claims it was targeting Hezbollah operatives in the area. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has fired more rockets into northern Israel, with reports of two injuries, as cross-border fighting continues.
Israeli Strikes on Beirut and Hezbollah Retaliation
For the first time in five days, Israel launched airstrikes on Beirut, intensifying the conflict in Lebanon. In response, Hezbollah has continued its rocket attacks on Israeli positions in the north. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) also confirmed the killing of a local Hezbollah commander, Jalal Mustafa Hariri, in overnight strikes on the Qana region. Hezbollah has not yet commented on Hariri’s death.
UN Peacekeepers in the Line of Fire
UNIFIL reported another incident involving Israeli forces, where two tanks reportedly destroyed the gate of a UN post in southern Lebanon. UNIFIL has rejected Israeli calls to withdraw from “combat areas,” maintaining its peacekeeping role amid the escalating conflict. Tensions between Israeli forces and UN peacekeepers are growing, with more incidents of damage to UN infrastructure.
US Monitoring Israel’s Actions
The United States has expressed concern over Israel’s military campaign, stating that while Israel has the right to defend itself, attacks on civilian infrastructure must be avoided. The US is in communication with Israel regarding the strike on Nabatieh’s municipal building. While Israel asserts that Hezbollah operates from civilian areas, the US has called for respect for international humanitarian law.
Humanitarian Aid Efforts Under Pressure
As fighting continues in Lebanon and Gaza, the United Nations and humanitarian agencies are pushing for increased aid deliveries to affected regions. In Gaza, small amounts of aid have begun to flow after a two-week halt, but UN officials say it is insufficient to meet the needs of the population. International pressure on Israel to allow more aid into Gaza is mounting, particularly after a strongly-worded letter from the United States.
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