The United Nations observer mission in Lebanon urged both Israel and Hezbollah to comply with the ceasefire agreement, warning on its Telegram channel on Thursday against actions that could jeopardize the fragile cessation of hostilities.
Peacekeepers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed concern about the continued destruction of residential areas, agricultural land and road networks in southern Lebanon by the Israeli military.
UN Resolution 1701 must be fully implemented, it said. UNIFIL supports the Lebanese military in its implementation.
The Israeli armed forces must withdraw from southern Lebanon in a timely manner, as provided for in the ceasefire agreement, UNIFIL said.
UNIFIL emphasized in the statement that no armed groups other than the Lebanese army are permitted to operate south of the Litani River.
In late November, the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia and Israel agreed to a ceasefire after more than a year of attacks from both sides. While the ceasefire is largely holding, sporadic violations have occurred, some resulting in fatalities.
As part of the agreement, Hezbollah is to withdraw to positions north of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometres from the Israeli-Lebanese border.
Meanwhile, Israel has committed to a phased withdrawal of its ground troops from Lebanon, which is expected to be completed within 60 days. The Lebanese army will oversee the implementation and enforcement of the agreement.
