UNIFIL spokesman Andre Tenenti briefed reporters on the situation on the ground at its New York headquarters on Wednesday via video link from Lebanon.
He said there was a threat to UN peacekeepers due to violent clashes. Since early October, peacekeepers have been injured or property damaged in more than 30 incidents.
Some of these incidents are suspected to be deliberate attacks, according to a UN mission spokesperson.
Meanwhile, the government of Lebanon reported that since October 8, 2023, 2,700 people have died and more than 12,000 have been injured in the country against the backdrop of the Gaza war. Among them are 157 children.
At least 82 people were reported killed and 180 injured in the violence on Tuesday. The Israeli army ordered people to leave their homes, adding to their problems.
The Israeli army has reportedly issued an evacuation order to all residents of the town of Baalbek on Wednesday, forcing local residents to evacuate en masse and causing panic among them.
Shortly thereafter, airstrikes began there. Evacuation orders were also reported in other areas.
Meanwhile, UN agencies are engaged in efforts to provide relief to needy people in southern Lebanon. In continuation of this, bottled water, hygiene materials, children’s clothes and other supplies have been arranged for 800 families of Sarafand village.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has provided 500 liters of fuel for generators to keep water wells and sanitation systems running.
Imran Riza, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Lebanon, expressed deep concern over the damage to infrastructure and civilian facilities and the civilian casualties caused by the violence.
In view of this, he called for an immediate end to the violent conflict and reminded the warring parties to take all possible precautions to protect civilians.
On the other hand, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the violence has affected agriculture and the rural population of Lebanon is facing problems, which has the potential to deepen food insecurity.