The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon has condemned Israel’s ground offensive in southern Lebanon, launched earlier on Tuesday, saying it violates the country’s “sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which is monitoring the situation on the Israel-Lebanese border, said in a statement that it had been informed a day earlier by the Israeli army of “their intention to to undertake limited ground incursions in Lebanon.” .”
“Despite this dangerous development, peacekeepers remain in position,” UNIFIL said.
“We regularly adjust our posture and activities, and we have contingency plans in place that we can activate if absolutely necessary.
“The safety and security of peacekeepers is of paramount importance, and all actors are reminded of their obligation to respect it.
“Any crossing into Lebanon is a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a violation of Resolution 1701. We urge all actors to step back from such escalating acts, which will only lead to more violence and more bloodshed will lead,” the statement said.
