UNIFIL deems Israeli operations near its positions 'extremely dangerous'

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) deployed along the border between Israel and Lebanon stated Sunday that Israeli military operations near one of its positions in Lebanon were ''extremely dangerous.''

In a statement, UNIFIL expressed being ''deeply concerned about recent Israeli military activities in the immediate vicinity of one of its positions in Lebanon.'' The force described the situation as ''an extremely dangerous development'' following Israel's launch of ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon on Sept. 30.

Peacekeepers who are carrying out the tasks entrusted to them by the Security Council," UNIFIL stated, reminding "all parties" of their obligation to protect UN personnel and property.

The day before, UNIFIL announced it would "maintain its positions," despite a request from the Israeli army to "move some" of them.

It urged "Lebanon and Israel to implement Security Council Resolution 1701, the only viable solution to restore stability in the region."

This resolution, which marked the end of the previous war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006, stipulates that only UN peacekeeping forces and the Lebanese army may be deployed in southern Lebanon.

It calls for the withdrawal of non-state armed forces, including Hezbollah.

Despite this resolution, the armed Islamist movement has maintained a presence in the southern part of the country since 2006, where approximately 10,000 peacekeepers are deployed.