UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon says attacks against civilians constitute ‘war crimes’

By Stephanie Radi

BEIRUT (AA) - The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said Thursday that attacks against civilians constitute “war crimes.”

“Attacks targeting civilians are violations of international law and constitute war crimes. The devastation, loss of life, and injuries witnessed are deeply concerning,” UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said in statements carried by Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency.

“We urge all parties involved to halt hostilities immediately to prevent further escalation,” he said.

The UNIFIL spokesperson called for intensifying diplomatic efforts “to restore stability and safeguard the safety of civilians residing near the Blue Line.”

The Blue Line is the line set by the United Nations for the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from Lebanon in 2000.

“UNIFIL continues to be fully engaged with the parties to decrease tensions,” Tenenti added.

Early Thursday, the Lebanese government said it will file a complaint against Israel at the UN Security Council over Wednesday’s Israeli drone strike that killed seven people.

Tension has flared along the border between Lebanon and Israel amid intermittent exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, in the deadliest clashes since the two sides fought a full-scale war in 2006.

The border tension comes amid an Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip that has killed more than 28,650 people following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7 last year.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar