UN says Israeli demolitions in Lebanon 'deeply concerning'

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over Israel's ongoing demolitions in southern Lebanon, despite a ceasefire in the conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah. The UN office stated that the scale and impact of these demolitions on civilian infrastructure, cultural heritage, and collective memory is deeply troubling. This comes after Israeli forces conducted large overnight demolitions near a UNESCO-listed castle in Lebanon, destroying what officials claimed were terror tunnels.

The blasts were particularly alarming as they occurred near Beaufort castle, now listed as "in danger" by UNESCO. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun criticized the detonations as an escalation and a threat to the framework agreement reached with Israel in US-sponsored talks. Under this deal, Lebanon is to disarm Hezbollah and Israel is to withdraw from designated zones.

The timing of these strikes ahead of further talks in Rome has raised concerns about undermining stability efforts. The UN emphasized that the escalating pattern of destruction must cease, citing available diplomatic channels for resolving issues. Israel claimed it had killed several Hezbollah fighters and injured an Israeli soldier, while a Lebanese soldier was also moderately injured in an Israeli strike.

Iranian-backed Hezbollah initiated the conflict on March 2nd, leading to a massive Israeli bombing campaign and ground offensive that has resulted in over 4,300 casualties.