UN Officials Say Lebanese-Israeli Border Developments 'Worrying'

Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli airstrike on Zibqin in southern Lebanon on August 25, 2024, amid escalations in the ongoing cross-border tensions.  (Photo by Kawnat HAJU / AFP)
Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli airstrike on Zibqin in southern Lebanon on August 25, 2024, amid escalations in the ongoing cross-border tensions. (Photo by Kawnat HAJU / AFP)
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UN Officials Say Lebanese-Israeli Border Developments 'Worrying'

Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli airstrike on Zibqin in southern Lebanon on August 25, 2024, amid escalations in the ongoing cross-border tensions.  (Photo by Kawnat HAJU / AFP)
Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli airstrike on Zibqin in southern Lebanon on August 25, 2024, amid escalations in the ongoing cross-border tensions. (Photo by Kawnat HAJU / AFP)

The Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) described the developments on the Lebanese-Israeli border as “worrying," and called on all parties to cease fire and refrain from further escalation, they said in a statement.

“In light of worrying developments across the Blue Line since the early morning, UNSCOL and UNIFIL call on all to cease fire and refrain from further escalatory action,” said the statement.

“A return to the cessation of hostilities, followed by the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution1701, is the only sustainable way forward,” it said.

“We will continue our contacts to strongly urge for de-escalation,” the statement added.

Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across southern Lebanon early Sunday in what it said was a preemptive strike on Hezbollah, as the group said it had launched hundreds of rockets and drones to avenge the killing of Fouad Shukr, one of its top commanders last month.



40,405 Palestinians Killed in Israel's Military Offensive on Gaza since Oct. 7

Palestinians inspect damage in Hamad City, following an Israeli raid, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, August 24, 2024. REUTERS/Hatem Khaled/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
Palestinians inspect damage in Hamad City, following an Israeli raid, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, August 24, 2024. REUTERS/Hatem Khaled/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
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40,405 Palestinians Killed in Israel's Military Offensive on Gaza since Oct. 7

Palestinians inspect damage in Hamad City, following an Israeli raid, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, August 24, 2024. REUTERS/Hatem Khaled/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
Palestinians inspect damage in Hamad City, following an Israeli raid, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, August 24, 2024. REUTERS/Hatem Khaled/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

At least 40,405 Palestinians have been killed and 93,468 others injured in Israel's military offensive on Gaza since Oct. 7, said the Gaza Health Ministry, Reuters reported.

In the last 24-hours, 71 were killed and 112 were injured in what the ministry called three massacres by Israel in the strip.

The recent war in Gaza started after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

Israel says it goes out of its way to avoid civilian casualties and accuses Hamas of using human shields, an allegation the group denies.