The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has warned that a Escalation of violence in the Middle East will have “devastating consequences” for “the entire region,” comments that come just hours after Israeli forces carried out a series of shootings. bombings against positions in Lebanon.
More than 650 Spanish soldiers deployed With UNIFIL, they are dedicated to patrolling in southern Lebanon on the “blue line”, on the border between the two countries, to monitor the cessation of hostilities between the parties.
The spiral of clashes between Israel and the Shiite militia Hezbollah after the attack on pagers and the “walkie-talkies” of the members of this group made the situation in the area critical.
This is why UNIFIL expressed in a statement on Monday its “great concern for the safety of civilians” in southern Lebanon in the face of “the largest bombing campaign carried out by Israel” since last October, the date of the attacks by the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) against Israeli territory.
The head of the mission, Commander Aroldo Lázaro, said he was in contact with the Israeli and Lebanese sides, although he took the opportunity to highlight the importance of “reducing violence”“Measures are being put in place to reduce tensions and stop these attacks,” he said of the bombings that have so far killed more than 180 people.
“Any escalation of this dangerous situation will lead to devastating consequences“not only for those living on both sides of the Blue Line but also for the entire region,” he explained about the border between Lebanon and Israel.
Regarding civilian casualties, he recalled that “attacks against civilians represent a violation of international law and a war crime“, which is why he called for a diplomatic solution and asked all parties to “prioritize the lives of civilians and ensure that they are not put in danger.”
To achieve this, he continued, it is “essential to fully commit to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which is now more vital than ever to understanding the causes of the conflict and ensuring lasting stability,” he concluded.
