UN peacekeepers in Lebanon have issued a stark warning about the risk of a “catastrophic” regional conflict, as Israeli forces engaged in fierce battles with Hezbollah and Hamas on two fronts, coinciding with Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The situation escalated further when Israeli airstrikes near Beirut killed nine people, while Hezbollah retaliated by launching missiles into northern Israel. Israel, in response, urged residents of south Lebanon to stay away, warning that anyone who returns risks their lives. The ongoing clashes have displaced over a million people and resulted in more than 1,200 deaths since September 23.
UNIFIL, the United Nations peacekeeping force stationed in southern Lebanon, reported that five of its peacekeepers were wounded in the escalating conflict. Andrea Tenenti, a UNIFIL spokesman, expressed deep concern that further Israeli escalation could spiral into a wider regional war with disastrous consequences. The situation has drawn international criticism, with countries like France and Ireland accusing Israel of deliberately targeting UN peacekeepers, following two recent incidents where peacekeeping personnel were injured.
Despite efforts to bring the violence to an end, diplomatic talks have stalled. Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, has urged the UN Security Council to pass a new resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, as the humanitarian and security situation in the region continues to deteriorate.
