Beirut, Jan 26 (Petra) — The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Sunday expressed “deep concern” over reports of injuries among civilians returning to their villages in South Lebanon, where the Israeli army is still present.

In a statement, the peacekeeping force stressed the “decisive importance” of the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and cessation of hostilities arrangements through existing mechanisms, including the full withdrawal of the Israeli army from Lebanon, the removal of any unauthorized weapons or assets south of the Litani River, the redeployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces across southern Lebanon and ensuring a safe and dignified return of displaced civilians on both sides of the Blue Line.”

It urged the Israeli army to avoid shooting civilians inside Lebanon, noting that the escalation of violence threatens to undermine “the fragile security situation” in the region and the prospects for stability.

The Lebanese Health Ministry said in a statement that eleven Lebanese civilians were killed and 83 injured today in a preliminary toll of Israeli attacks on civilians in southern Lebanon.

//Petra//SS
26/01/2025 15:45:31