Civilians in southern Lebanon are facing increasing insecurity as Israeli military activity in the region has intensified over the past two weeks, according to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
UNIFIL said it recorded an average of 137 projectiles fired into southern Lebanon each day between August 5 and 16, as tensions continued to rise despite the existing ceasefire framework between Lebanon and Israel.
The peacekeeping force recorded particularly heavy activity over the weekend, with 208 projectiles on Saturday and 185 on Sunday.
UNIFIL said the escalation was having a direct impact on civilians, with families being displaced and others forced to alter their daily activities because of continuing insecurity and uncertainty.
The force said its peacekeepers have continued to patrol the area, monitor developments, clear obstacles from roads, reduce risks from explosive remnants and facilitate humanitarian access despite the worsening security situation.
UNIFIL also stressed that UN Security Council Resolution 1701 remains the fundamental framework for restoring stability in southern Lebanon.
The resolution, adopted in 2006, calls for an end to hostilities and provides for the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces alongside UNIFIL in southern Lebanon.
The latest escalation is taking place amid continuing disagreements over the presence of Israeli forces in parts of southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah.
Hezbollah has rejected demands for its disarmament while Israeli forces remain in Lebanese territory, while Lebanon has continued to push for an arrangement that would restore stability and strengthen the role of the Lebanese state and international peacekeepers.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Monday expressed support for extending UNIFIL’s mandate, saying the continued presence of international peacekeepers remains important for stability in southern Lebanon.
UNIFIL’s current mandate is due to expire at the end of 2026, making the future of the peacekeeping mission another important issue as tensions continue.
The latest figures from the peacekeeping force indicate that the situation in southern Lebanon remains fragile, with civilians continuing to bear the consequences of renewed military activity.
