Lebanon: Civilian risks grow as military activity continues, UN says

Damaged roads, disrupted services and ongoing military activity continue to put civilians at risk in south Lebanon as strikes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah continue, according to the UN’s peacekeeping mission in the country (UNIFIL).Following reports of Hezbollah drone attacks and retaliatory Israeli strikes on Wednesday and Thursday, UNIFIL is urging restraint and renewed political engagement to avoid a further escalation of hostilities.UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel told UN News that while the latest strikes occurred outside UNIFIL’s area of operations, the impact of the conflict continues to be felt across southern Lebanon and along the “Blue Line”.Find out more about the Blue Line in our explainer here.UNIFIL is urging all parties to comply with Security Council resolution 1701 – the 2006 agreement intended to cease hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah – and use existing mechanisms to de-escalate tensions.“It’s in no one’s interest to continue on a military path,” Ms. Ardiel said. “The only solution to this is political and diplomatic.”Although violence has decreased compared to previous months, UNIFIL has observed a rise in military activity inside its area of o...