UNIFIL says security situation in south Lebanon 'extremely challenging'

GENEVA

The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Friday said the security situation in south Lebanon is "extremely challenging" despite extensive measures taken to protect the peacekeepers' safety and security.

According to a statement released by the mission, two medevac teams meeting at Yarin to transfer a patient came under fire of unknown origin early Wednesday.

"One vehicle was immobilized and had to be left at the scene," it said.

In the evening that same day, it said a medical facility at a UNIFIL position in Beit Leif was hit by a shell or rocket of unknown origin, causing damage to buildings.

It added that later, two shells or rockets, also of unknown origin, impacted near a UNIFIL position in Kafer Chouba, causing damage to living accommodations and shelters.

Peacekeepers in both positions were in shelters at the time and no peacekeepers were hurt in any of these incidents, it said.

"All actors are reminded of their obligation to avoid actions putting peacekeepers or civilians in danger," it said. "We continue to urge all actors involved in the conflict to resolve their differences at the negotiating table, through a political and diplomatic solution — not through violence."

"UNIFIL remains on the ground and ready to support this," it added.

The army’s attacks on UNIFIL have sparked international condemnation.

UNIFIL operates between the Litani River in southern Lebanon and the Blue Line, which serves as the border with Israel, as part of its mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 to maintain security in the region.

Israel has mounted a huge air campaign in Lebanon since last month against what it claims are Hezbollah targets in an escalation from year-long cross-border warfare between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah since the start of Israel’s brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip.

Israel expanded the conflict this year by launching an incursion into southern Lebanon on Oct. 1.