THE United Nations on Monday (August 17) warned of an alarming intensification of violence in southern Lebanon over the weekend.
At least 11 people were killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday (August 15), the Lebanese health ministry said, some of the deadliest in weeks. The Israeli military said it struck Hezbollah infrastructure in response to actions against its soldiers there.
U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said families had fled areas to which they had only recently returned, underscoring the fragility of conditions for civilians.
Dujarric said peacekeepers continued to face movement restrictions and aggressive behavior.
He urged the parties to exercise maximum restraint, adhere to the latest ceasefire and pursue dialogue through ongoing direct talks to advance a long-term solution to the conflict.