A patrol from the French contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon moves through the area as displaced residents return to their homes in Qasmieh, southern Lebanon, on April 18, 2026. (Credit: Mahmoud Zayyat/AFP)
SOUTH LEBANON — The situation in southern Lebanon remains volatile despite hopes for the maintenance of relative calm, United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) spokesperson Kandice Ardiel said, two days ahead of the potential direct talks between Lebanon and Israel to extend the 10-day truce.
Ardiel spoke on the sidelines of a meeting with Information Minister Paul Morcos focused on the risks faced by journalists covering events in southern Lebanon. Several journalists have been killed in Israeli strikes since the start of the war, while others have come under attack by individuals affiliated with or close to Hezbollah.
“Journalists play a vital role in conflict, often at great personal risk. Recent events in south Lebanon have shown how dangerous this work can be,” Ardiel wrote on X. She said she had discussed the issue with Morcos, who noted that “eight Lebanese journalists have been killed in Israeli strikes since the beginning of March.” He stressed that journalists “should not lose their lives simply for doing their job, or because of their political opinions” adding that “they are not legitimate targets.”
Ardiel added that UNIFIL can inform the Lebanese and Israeli militaries of journalists’ planned locations and movements, for those who request it, to raise awareness of their presence. She cautioned, however, that this step does not constitute a guarantee, but a practical action that peacekeeping forces can undertake to help.
Israel continues attacks on southern Lebanon, demolishes buildings in Bint Jbeil