The strikes come as the Lebanese Armed Forces continue operations to control unauthorised weapons and infrastructure in south Lebanon a year after a cessation of hostilities was announced in the country.

“We urge the Israel Defense Forces to avail of the liaison and coordination mechanisms available to them,” UNIFIL said. “We caution Lebanese actors against any reaction that could aggravate the situation further.”

Meanwhile, the Security Council is currently in Lebanon to meet with national authorities, after visiting Syria earlier this month.

Violation of key agreement

UNIFIL emphasized that Thursday’s airstrikes are ‘clear violations’ of Security Council resolution 1701, which brought an end to hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in 2006.

On Thursday night, peacekeepers on patrol were approached by six men on three mopeds near the district Bint Jbeil with one man firing approximately three shots into the back of the vehicle. No one was hurt.

“Attacks on peacekeepers are unacceptable and serious violations of resolution 1701,” UNIFIL stressed and urged both parties to adhere to their commitments in order to safeguard the progress achieved so far.

UNIFIL continues to monitor the situation in south Lebanon and to support both parties in their implementation of the agreement.

Read our UN News explainer on Resolution 1701 here.