The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has strongly condemned recent Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, describing them as a “clear and unequivocal violation” of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The “peacekeeping force” warned that the strikes pose a “direct threat to the fragile stability” restored in November last year and undermine civilian confidence in the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Peacekeepers Relocated Amid Escalation
In a statement issued Friday, UNIFIL confirmed that peacekeeping troops continue to support both sides in implementing Resolution 1701. It added that UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army are maintaining their daily field operations to bolster stability in southern Lebanon and along the Blue Line.
🚨 🇮🇱 | 🇱🇧 The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has condemned recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, labeling them a clear violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The strikes pose a direct threat to the fragile stability achieved in November of… pic.twitter.com/kYGWAoSUaC
— Observe Lebanon (@ObserveLebanon) September 19, 2025
However, due to the recent attacks, UN units stationed in two positions in the Deir Kifa area, near Burj Qallawiyah, were forced to relocate to safer locations. UNIFIL noted that the strikes had “seriously endangered the lives of Lebanese soldiers, UN personnel, and civilians.”
Call for De-escalation and Full Withdrawal
UNIFIL called on the Israeli occupation army to “immediately cease all further airstrikes” and to fully withdraw from Lebanese territory. It urged all parties to avoid any violations or unilateral actions that could trigger further escalation.
The mission reiterated the importance of adhering to both the provisions of Resolution 1701 and the cessation of hostilities agreement, stressing that these mechanisms were specifically designed to address disputes peacefully and prevent the use of force.
“Continued escalation jeopardizes the progress made by all parties in their efforts to restore stability,” UNIFIL warned.
Source: Al-Manar Website
