Key Takeaways
- The UN expressed deep concern over Israel’s ongoing demolitions in southern Lebanon.
- Beaufort castle, a UNESCO-listed site, was destroyed by Israeli forces.
- Lebanese President Aoun called the blasts an escalation and threat to peace talks.
The United Nations has expressed deep concern over Israel’s ongoing demolitions in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire in its war with Hezbollah. In a statement, the UN highlighted the 'devastating impact on civilian infrastructure, cultural heritage, and the collective memory of communities.'
On Friday night, Israeli forces carried out large-scale detonations near Beaufort castle, which was added to UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger last week. The Israeli military stated that they destroyed ‘terror tunnels’ using approximately 700 tonnes of explosives.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the blasts as 'an extremely dangerous escalation' and a 'direct threat to the process launched as part of the framework agreement' reached with Israel during US-sponsored talks last month. The agreement aims for Lebanon’s army to disarm Hezbollah, while Israeli forces withdraw from ‘pilot zones’ where Lebanese forces will subsequently deploy.
The timing of these blasts ahead of another round of talks in Rome next week has been criticized as sending negative messages and undermining international efforts aimed at consolidating stability. Aoun added that the 'escalating pattern of destruction must stop.'
Lebanese authorities reported several detonations in other parts of southern Lebanon since, along with one Israeli strike on Saturday that wounded two people.
The UN statement emphasized that ‘diplomatic channels exist to resolve any outstanding issues,’ suggesting a need for peaceful resolution through dialogue. Hezbollah’s involvement in the conflict began on March 2 when it launched attacks on Israel, leading to a massive bombing campaign and ground offensive by Israeli forces.
According to Lebanese authorities, the conflict has resulted in more than 4,300 deaths so far.
