UNIFIL condemns Israeli strikes on south Lebanon

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) condemned Friday Israeli air strikes on five towns in southern Lebanon.

"Last night’s strikes by Israel in south Lebanon are violations of Security Council resolution 1701 and put the fragile stability that has been built since November of last year at risk. They further undermine civilians' confidence that a non-violent solution to this conflict is possible," UNIFIL said in a statement, adding that peacekeepers continue to support both parties in their implementation of resolution 1701 and that UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army are on the ground each day, working to restore stability to the south and along the Blue Line.

"Peacekeepers in two positions in Deir Kifa, near Burj Qalawieh, moved to shelters for safety. The strikes put the lives of Lebanese soldiers, U.N. peacekeepers, and civilians in danger," the statement said.

UNIFIL called on the Israeli army to refrain from any further strikes and to fully withdraw from Lebanese territory.

"We urge the parties to uphold their obligations under resolution 1701 and the Cessation of Hostilities understanding. These mechanisms exist specifically to resolve concerns and avoid unilateral resort to violence, and should be used to their full extent. Continued escalation puts the hard-fought progress the parties have made to restore stability at risk."