Israel notified of intention to enter Lebanon by land: UNIFIL
Members of the United Nations peacekeepers (UNIFIL) look at the Lebanese-Israeli border, as they stand on the roof of a watch tower in the town of Marwahin, in southern Lebanon, October 12, 2023. (Reuters Photo)
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that the Israeli military notified them of its intention to enter Lebanon by land, a move UNIFIL states violates U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701.
UN peacekeepers remain in position
In a written statement, UNIFIL disclosed that Israel had informed them of the planned entry into southern Lebanon, which took place Monday night. The statement described the development as dangerous but reassured that UNIFIL forces continue to maintain their positions.
“Despite this dangerous development, peacekeepers remain in position. We are regularly adjusting our posture and activities, and we have contingency plans ready to activate if absolutely necessary.” the statement said.
It also mentioned that the peacekeeping force is working on repositioning troops in light of the new developments, stressing the importance of readiness for any extraordinary situation.
UNIFIL has around 10,500 peacekeepers coming from 50 troop-contributing countries. The mission maintains an intensive level of operational and other activities, amounting to approximately 14,500 activities per month, day and night, in the area of operations.
Seventeen percent of activities are carried out jointly with the Lebanese Armed Forces. UNIFIL is complemented by a five-vessel Maritime Task Force.
Violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty
The U.N. mission emphasized that Israel’s planned entry into Lebanon represents a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and U.N. Resolution 1701.
“Peacekeeper safety and security is paramount, and all actors are reminded of their obligation to respect it. Any crossing into Lebanon is in violation of Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a violation of resolution 1701,” the statement added.
UNIFIL further called on all sides to respect the resolution and uphold international law, particularly in protecting civilians.
“We urge all actors to step back from such escalatory acts, which will only lead to more violence and more bloodshed. The price of continuing the current course of action is too high,” UNIFIL said.
“Civilians must be protected, civilian infrastructure must not be targeted and international law must be respected. We strongly urge the parties to recommit to Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) as the only viable solution to bring back stability in this region,” the statement lastly added.
Israeli ground attacks intensify
Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari confirmed that the Israeli military has initiated limited but intensive ground assaults on Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
Since Sept. 23, Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes on southern Lebanese cities, including the Bekaa and Baalbek regions.
These operations have intensified since controlled skirmishes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah began on Oct. 8.
Casualties and displacement
Lebanese authorities reported that, since September 17, when Hezbollah communication devices were targeted, a total of 1,273 people have been killed, including 104 children and 194 women.
The conflict has also triggered mass displacement within Lebanon, with thousands of civilians fleeing from the southern regions to the capital, Beirut, and further north.
Tens of thousands have also reportedly sought refuge in neighboring Syria.
While Hezbollah continues to retaliate with rocket and missile strikes aimed primarily at Israeli military bases, significant damage has not been reported on the Israeli side.
