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UN deeply concerned by Israeli demolitions in Lebanon, calls for halt
🇸🇬 Singapore /Conflict & Security

UN deeply concerned by Israeli demolitions in Lebanon, calls for halt

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • The UN expresses deep concern over Israel's extensive demolitions in southern Lebanon, impacting civilian infrastructure and cultural heritage.
  • The Israeli military stated it destroyed "terror tunnels" near the UNESCO-listed Beaufort castle using significant explosives.
  • Lebanon's president called the detonations a dangerous escalation threatening a recent framework agreement and urged an end to the destruction.

The United Nations has voiced significant concern regarding Israel's ongoing demolitions in southern Lebanon, highlighting the devastating impact on civilian infrastructure, cultural heritage, and community memory. The UN Special Coordinator's office for Lebanon stated that the scale of the detonations is "deeply concerning."

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.

— Office of the UN Special Coordinator for LebanonExpressing concern over Israeli demolitions in southern Lebanon.

These actions follow overnight detonations by the Israeli military near Beaufort castle, a site recently added to UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed the army destroyed "terror tunnels" using approximately 700 tons of explosives.

Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun condemned the blasts as an "extremely dangerous escalation" and a "direct threat" to a framework agreement reached with Israel during U.S.-sponsored talks. He noted that the timing of the explosions, ahead of further talks in Rome, sends "negative messages and undermines international efforts aimed at consolidating stability."

The army destroyed 'terror tunnels in the Beaufort area' using approximately 700 tonnes of explosives.

— Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel KatzIsraeli Prime Minister and Defense Minister explaining the military's actions.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported multiple powerful detonations in other southern areas, some audible across the region. The agency also reported two people wounded by an Israeli strike on Saturday. The UN stressed that this "escalating pattern of destruction must stop as diplomatic channels exist to resolve any outstanding issues."

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

— Joseph AounLebanese President labeling the detonation and its threat to the peace process.

The Israeli military reported killing several Hezbollah fighters in what it termed a "security zone" and stated an Israeli soldier was moderately injured. Hezbollah initiated attacks on Israel on March 2, leading to a massive Israeli bombing campaign and ground offensive that Lebanese authorities say has killed over 4,300 people.

this escalating pattern of destruction must stop as diplomatic channels exist to resolve any outstanding issues.

— United NationsUrging an end to the destruction and emphasizing diplomatic solutions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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