United Nations Provisional Force Lebanon (UNIT) is also deeply concerned by the many attacks on the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) even though they were declared unrelated to the hostilities, he said. added.
The LAF reported that at least 45 soldiers were killed in recent attacks.
Deadly escalation
Mr. Dujarric emphasized that such attacks targeting the LAF on Lebanese territory are blatant violations Security Council Resolution 1701as well as international humanitarian law, which prohibits targeting of persons not participating in hostilities.
He said the United Nations remains extremely vigilant against the escalation of hostilities as well as the widespread destruction and loss of life on the “Green Line” separating Lebanon and Israel.
Negotiation, not violence
“We call on all parties involved in the conflict to resolve their differences through negotiation – not through violence,” he continued.
He noted that the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, is on a visit to Israel and is scheduled to meet with senior Israeli officials that day, with talks gathering focuses on the current crisis, the urgent need for a ceasefire and the comprehensive implementation of the resolution 1701.
Read our explanation of resolution This.
Deadliest period in decades
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Aid, OCHA, warning that Lebanon is facing its most dangerous period in decades, with an unprecedented humanitarian crisis affecting more than a million people.
Over the past three days, the southern suburbs of Beirut have been subjected to relentless attacks, resulting in heavy damage and significant casualties, as well as forcing people to flee their homes.
OCHA cited national authorities as saying an average of 250 people have been killed each week this month, bringing the death toll to more than 3,700 since the conflict escalated in October 2023.
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that between November 22 and 23 of this year, at least nine boys and girls were killed, some of them sleeping in their beds.
Overall, at least 240 children have died since October last year.
In response to the escalating violence, Lebanese authorities announced the closure of schools in Beirut and surrounding areas, switching to remote learning from this Monday, representing further disruption for education.
Delivery commitment
Despite ongoing security concerns, the United Nations and partners remain on hand to scale up efforts to continue providing vital support.
UNICEF has safely carried out 14 humanitarian convoys as of November 19, reaching approximately 50,000 people in hard-to-reach areas. The agency has also helped displaced families living on the streets of Beirut find shelter.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) delivered 48 tons of medical supplies to support the Lebanon Ministry of Public Health’s Chronic Medicines Program, ensuring that 300,000 people with chronic diseases continue to have access to essential medicines.
