UNIFIL Raises Alarm over Israeli Strikes on Lebanese Army

UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon expressed concern on Monday regarding deadly strikes on Lebanese soldiers, which Beirut attributes to Israel.

"UNIFIL is seriously concerned about the numerous attacks on the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) within Lebanese territory," the peacekeepers stated, using the acronym for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.

The Lebanese army has reported that 19 members were killed while on active duty.

The army's "role remains vital for the full implementation of Resolution 1701 (2006), which is essential for ending the ongoing violence between Hezbollah and Israel," UNIFIL added.

Resolution 1701 concluded the last Hezbollah-Israel war in 2006 and stipulated that only Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers should be present as armed forces in southern Lebanon. It also called for Israel to withdraw its troops from Lebanon, forming the basis for ongoing ceasefire discussions.

Currently, UNIFIL has more than 9,300 troops stationed in southern Lebanon since 1978, and is responsible for monitoring the "Blue Line" demarcation with Israel.

"We remain deeply alarmed by the escalation of hostilities and the widespread destruction and loss of life along the Blue Line," the peacekeepers stressed, urging all parties to resolve their differences through negotiations rather than through violence.