We note with concern the report that this morning an Israeli strike in Hasbaya in Nabatiyeh, which is located outside the UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) peacekeeping mission’s area of operations, hit an apartment housing journalists and other media personnel. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health then confirmed that the strike killed three people and wounded three others. The Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, Imran Riza, said he was alarmed by the tragic killing of the three journalists.
And as the Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert — and we, as well — state all the time: when journalists, protected under international humanitarian law, are targeted, so too are our fundamental rights to the freedom of information and expression. All parties in conflict must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.
South of the Litani River, peacekeepers continue to report hostilities within UNIFIL’s area of operations, with repeated incidents of direct and indirect fire on UN positions, endangering peacekeepers. On 22 October, peacekeepers at a permanent observation post near Dhayra were fired at by IDF (Israel Defense Forces) soldiers. On 24 October, a UNIFIL position near Mays al-Jabal sustained damage to a prefabricated building, from indirect fire. On the same day, as we noted yesterday, nearby airstrikes damaged a UN vehicle inside a UN position near Kfar Shuba and a UN position near Burj Qallawiyah sustained minor damage from airstrikes impacting about 300 meters away.
All actors are reminded of their obligation to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers.
We also reiterate the urgent need for a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to this conflict. The Office of the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon remain on the ground and ready to support such efforts.