rki.news

NEW YORK: The United Nations has reported intensified Israeli air and ground operations across southern Lebanon, raising concerns over growing regional tensions and civilian casualties.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said peacekeepers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) observed extensive military activity, including multiple Israeli airstrikes near towns in both western and eastern sectors of southern Lebanon.

According to Lebanese authorities, at least 19 people, including three children, were killed in Tuesday’s airstrikes.

Dujarric said UN peacekeepers documented 348 incidents linked to Israeli forces and 23 projectile trajectories attributed to Hezbollah. Seven projectile interceptions were also recorded within the UNIFIL operational area.

UNIFIL personnel additionally observed a suspected drone attack near its headquarters in Naqoura in southern Lebanon.

The UN spokesperson noted continued large-scale Israeli military operations, including armored vehicle movements, engineering activity, artillery shelling, mortar fire and rocket impacts across the region.

The United Nations renewed its appeal for all sides to respect the ceasefire agreement and adhere to international humanitarian law to prevent further escalation and civilian suffering.