Israeli breaches of Lebanon truce 'violation of int'l law': UNIFIL
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The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has accused Israeli forces of "deliberately" destroying its property and critical infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
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A convoy of armored vehicles of the United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) drives along the Palestinian-Lebanese border as seen from northern occupied Palestine, Friday, November 29, 2024. (AP)
The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon has condemned the Israeli regime's continuous breaches of the truce agreement with Lebanon through a series of provocative and illegal acts in the country's south as a "blatant violation of international law."
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) made the remarks in a statement on Sunday, noting that the Israeli occupation forces are "deliberately" destroying its property and critical infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
"This morning peacekeepers witnessed an Israeli army bulldozer destroying a blue barrel marking the withdrawal line between Lebanon and Israel in Labbouneh, as well as a watchtower belonging to the Lebanese Armed Forces adjacent to a UNIFIL site in the area," UNIFIL said.
It went on to say that the deliberate and direct destruction by the Israeli military is "a flagrant violation" of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 33-day-long Israeli military onslaught on the country in the summer of 2006.
Patience could soon run out
The warning comes as Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem warned that the Resistance group's patience with Israeli violations could run out before the end of the ceasefire's 60-day implementation timeframe.
Sheikh Qassem said Hezbollah had decided to show patience but emphasized that this would not last indefinitely.
"There is no specific timetable that determines the Resistance's performance, whether through the agreement or after the 60 days are up," Sheikh Qassem added.
He clarified that decisions are made exclusively by the Resistance's leadership, stating, "Our patience is linked to when we deem the time fit; it is the Resistance's leadership that decides whether to remain patient, initiate an attack, or respond."
Hezbollah has already reiterated that it is in full possession of its capabilities, warning that it will respond decisively to Israeli forces occupying Lebanon once the ceasefire concludes.
In its statement on Sunday, UNIFIL further called on the Israeli regime to comply with international obligations and immediately stop such activities, adding that it should avoid any actions that could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire with Lebanon, including the destruction of property and civilian infrastructure.
Hezbollah capabilities in perfect shape
Lebanese MP Hussein Hajj Hassan, a member of the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, emphasized Hezbollah's strength and resilience, stating, "Hezbollah is strong enough at all levels."
In an interview for Al Mayadeen on Sunday, Hajj Hassan stressed that some parties "are crossing the line with us, and our message is that no one can deal with us from a position of coercion." He further asserted, "Hezbollah is strong and cohesive, and its leadership and popular base can absorb all shocks."
Addressing Israeli provocations in southern Lebanon, Hajj Hassan accused the US of enabling these violations and covering them up, questioning, "Is the US incapable of stopping Israel's actions that have gone too far?" He also held the US, France, and the United Nations responsible for monitoring and addressing these breaches.
He directed a pointed remark at "Lebanese sovereignty" advocates, i.e. domestic parties and voices opposed to Hezbollah and the Resistance, asking, "Have you not noticed that the occupation has committed 816 violations in less than 60 days?"
Regarding Israeli media leaks suggesting the potential continued presence of Israeli occupation forces in border villages, Hajj Hassan said, "If they stay, Hezbollah will decide the appropriate response at the right time, as the Secretary-General has said."
