UN Calls Israeli Demolitions in Lebanon 'Deeply Concerning'

The United Nations voiced strong concern Saturday over Israel's ongoing demolitions in southern Lebanon, even as a ceasefire holds with Hezbollah. The office of the UN special coordinator for Lebanon stated that the "scale of the detonations and demolitions" is "deeply concerning," causing a "devastating impact on civilian infrastructure, cultural heritage, and the collective memory of communities."

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The scale of the detonations and demolitions taking place in south Lebanon is deeply concerning, with a devastating impact on civilian infrastructure, cultural heritage, and the collective memory of communities.

These demolitions occurred just a day after the Israeli military detonated approximately 700 tons of explosives to destroy what it called "terror tunnels" in the Beaufort area. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the operation. The Beaufort castle, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site, was recently added to the organization's List of World Heritage in Danger.

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The army destroyed "terror tunnels in the Beaufort area" using approximately 700 tons of explosives.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the blasts as an "extremely dangerous escalation" and a "direct threat" to a recent framework agreement with Israel. This deal, reached during US-sponsored talks, involves Lebanon disarming Hezbollah and Israel withdrawing from designated zones where Lebanese forces would deploy. Aoun warned that the timing of the blasts, ahead of further talks in Rome, "sends negative messages and undermines international efforts aimed at consolidating stability."

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an extremely dangerous escalation and a direct threat to the process which was launched as part of the framework agreement.

The UN urged an end to the "escalating pattern of destruction," emphasizing that diplomatic channels remain available to resolve outstanding issues.

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sends negative messages and undermines international efforts aimed at consolidating stability.