The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has issued a stern call for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to cease their military strikes in Southern Lebanon and to withdraw entirely from Lebanese territory. This demand comes in the wake of recent airstrikes by Israel, which UNIFIL claims have jeopardized both peacekeepers and civilian lives. The contentious operations occurred late Thursday night, sparking significant international concern.

According to reports, the IDF had previously instructed civilians in the towns of Mais al-Jabal, Kfar Tibnit, and Debbin to evacuate, signaling imminent military action. The IDF maintains that their targets were strictly terrorist-related, citing strikes on key Hezbollah figures and assets, including a vessel used for intelligence gathering near Naqoura, where UNIFIL's headquarters are located. Despite the tensions, there have been no reported injuries or fatalities among the UN peacekeepers, who were forced to seek shelter during the strikes.

UNIFIL has labeled these actions as violations of Security Council Resolution 1701, a directive put in place following the 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, aiming to stabilize the region by mandating the cessation of hostilities from both parties. This resolution also established the Blue Line, a boundary meant to delineate Israeli withdrawal, monitored continuously by UNIFIL. Any military presence or activity across this line is considered a breach of the resolution, with UNIFIL tasked with reporting such violations to the Security Council.

The recent military escalation undermines the Cessation of Hostilities agreement signed by Israel and Lebanon in November 2024, which requires Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah operations against Israel, and reciprocally mandates Israel to refrain from offensive actions against Lebanese targets. UNIFIL has expressed grave concerns that the continued escalation threatens the stability painstakingly built through these agreements. In response to the unfolding situation, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has appealed to the international community to apply pressure on Israel to halt its military actions and adhere to the established peace mechanisms.

UNIFIL, established by UN resolutions 425 and 426 in 1978, has the primary role of ensuring Israel's full withdrawal from Lebanon. The organization has repeatedly cautioned Israel, Lebanon, and Hezbollah regarding violations of Resolution 1701. As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation and a return to dialogue and compliance with peacekeeping agreements.