UN alarmed by Israeli strike in southern Lebanon that killed journalists

The strike occurred in Hasbaya in Nabatiyeh, outside the area of operations of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The building housed several journalists and other media personnel.

Expressing concern, Deputy UN Spokesperson Farhan Haq, stressed: “When journalists, protected under international humanitarian law, are targeted, so too are our fundamental rights to the freedom of information and expression.”

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, and Imran Riza, the Humanitarian Coordinator in the country, also echoed the concerns.

“All parties in conflict must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law,” Mr. Haq added, during the regular press briefing at UN Headquarters in New York.

Repeated direct and indirect fire incidents

UNIFIL peacekeepers are still being impacted by hostilities in the Mission’s area of operations, with “repeated incidents of direct and indirect fire” on UN positions, endangering peacekeepers, Mr. Haq continued.

Established and mandated by the UN Security Council, UNIFIL is tasked with monitoring the cessation of hostilities following the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, confirming the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and assisting the Lebanese government in restoring its authority in the area.

Its area of operation extends from the “Blue Line” of separation between Lebanon and Israel in the south, to the Litani River in north.

On October 22, UN personnel at a permanent observation post near Dhayra, located 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) inside southern Lebanon, came under fire from Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers.

On October 24, a UNIFIL position near Mays al-Jabal sustained damage from indirect fire, damaging a prefabricated building.

The same day, nearby airstrikes damaged a UN vehicle inside a UN position near Kfar Shuba, while a UN position near Burj Qallawiyah sustained minor damage from airstrikes impacting about 300 meters away.

Obligation to ensure safety

“All actors are reminded of their obligation to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers,” Mr. Haq stated, reiterating the urgent need for a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to this conflict.

“The Office of the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon and UNIFIL remain on the ground and ready to support such efforts.”

Humanitarian situation

Amid the ongoing fighting, UN and other humanitarians are stepping up their efforts to reach people in need around the country.

On Friday, a joint humanitarian convoy, comprising UN agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), delivered critical aid to Nabatieh governorate, including ready-to-eat meals, hygiene kits and solar lamps.

In southern Lebanon, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) provided supplies to repair damaged water facilities, benefiting over 360,000 people affected by ongoing bombardment.

In addition, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) is assisting Lebanese health authorities in vaccinating displaced children in shelters against polio, measles, mumps, and rubella.

Displacement continues

The hostilities also continue to fuel displacement across Lebanon and into neighbouring Syria. More than 833,000 people have been displaced within Lebanon and a further 440,000 – the majority of them Syrian refugees – have fled into Syria, despite dangerous conditions.

This included an Israeli airstrike on Tuesday at the main road at the Masnaa border crossing between Lebanon and Syria – the second in less than three weeks – rendering the vital route impassable.

“In addition to blocking the flow of life-saving humanitarian aid, this latest attack is forcing parents to carry their children and belongings as they navigate their way between two huge craters in the road in a bid to seek safety,” Adam Abdelmoula, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, said in a statement on Thursday.

“It is unacceptable for this critical lifeline for tens of thousands of civilians, including women and children, to be struck – not once, but twice. There have also been airstrikes close to other border crossings between the two countries.”