The Israeli army has conducted airstrikes on Iran-backed Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon in retaliation for ongoing attacks on northern Israel.
In a statement issued by the Israeli military on Friday evening, there were no reports of injuries.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres voiced deep concerns over the escalating conflict between Israel and Lebanon along the Blue Line, the UN-demarcated boundary between the two countries.
“The risk for the conflict in the Middle East to widen is real – and must be avoided,” he said.
Since the Gaza Strip conflict began in October, daily clashes have occurred between the Israeli army, Hezbollah, and allied groups in the border area between Israel and Lebanon.
These confrontations have resulted in numerous casualties and significant destruction in border villages on both sides. Approximately 150,000 people have been displaced due to the violence.
Hezbollah, more powerful than its ally Hamas in Gaza, is the target of Israel’s military and diplomatic efforts to push the group back behind the Litani River, 30 kilometers from the border, as stipulated by a key UN resolution from the 2006 conflict.
“The parties must urgently recommit to the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 and immediately return to a cessation of hostilities,” Guterres said.
