Civilians paying price as Israeli military raises stakes in Lebanon: UNIFIL

UN peacekeeping force recorded an average of 137 projectiles fired daily into region in the last two weeks.Civilians in southern Lebanon are bearing the brunt of a significant increase in Israeli military activity over the past fortnight or so, according to United Nations peacekeepers.The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said in a statement issued on Monday that it recorded an average of 137 projectiles fired per day between August 5-16. The peacekeeping force reported that 208 projectiles on Saturday and 185 on Sunday, as tensions continue to increase.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Future of southern Lebanon peacekeeping uncertain ahead of UNIFIL phase-outlist 2 of 4Hezbollah demands Israel leave Lebanon ‘unconditionally’ amid talks in USlist 3 of 4Israeli attacks wound eight in Lebanon despite Rome talkslist 4 of 4Israel killing Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil a ‘war crime’: rights groupsend of listThe escalation comes despite the renewal of the June 26 ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel.That agreement, brokered by the United States, is tied to the disarmament of the Lebanon-based Hezbollah group, but did not specifically call for the withdrawal of Israeli forces, which occupy several parts of southern Lebanon.Hezbollah has rejected the deal, saying it will not agree until Israel withdraws from Lebanon.“As tensions rise, civilians are once again paying the highest price, with many families displaced or forced to change their daily routines because of insecurity and uncertainty,” UNIFIL said.UNIFIL said its peacekeepers have maintained their presence through patrols, monitoring, removing obstacles from roads, reducing risks posed by explosives and facilitating access for humanitarian aid.It added that UN Security Council Resolution 1701 remains the basic framework for restoring stability in southern Lebanon.Adopted in 2006, Resolution 1701 calls for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah and for strengthening the deployment in southern Lebanon of the Lebanese army and UNIFIL.On Monday, Lebanon’s President, Joseph Aoun, voiced support for extending UNIFIL’s mandate and adopting a formula that ensures the continued presence of international forces in the area.