HAMILTON, Canada

The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) voiced "serious concern" Wednesday about recent Israeli forces' evacuation demand for civilians from the mission's area of operation.

"UNIFIL notes with serious concern the latest Israel Defense Forces (IDF) statement demanding evacuation of the civilian population from UNIFIL’s area of operations to north of the Litani river," said a statement by the mission.

It noted that "within the area of operations, peacekeepers observed today several IDF movements and military activities, including near El Khiam, Beit Lif, Yaroun, Houla, Kfar Kila, Kherbeh and Kfar Shouba."

"All of these are happening while Israeli airstrikes and other air activities continue," it added.

Noting that the moves not only violate UN Resolution 1701, which demanded a halt to hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, the statement said it also violates "Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

"UNIFIL reiterates its call to all actors to exercise maximum restraint and redouble efforts to prevent the current situation from spiraling out of control," it added.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric conveyed the UN chief's deep "concern" about the situation in Lebanon. "He's particularly concerned about the impact of hostilities on the civilian population," said Dujarric.

Citing local sources, Dujarric reported that "since the onset of the renewed hostilities, at least 80,000 people have sought refuge in collective shelters in Lebanon."

On the funding issue, he said, "Even prior to this escalation, the humanitarian community was aiming to reach 1.5 million vulnerable people with humanitarian aid through the $1.6 billion 2026 appeal."

"Our partners are now responding with fewer financial and human resources than in previous years. That, of course, limits the scale and speed of assistance at a time when needs are rising sharply," he said, urging additional funding to "sustain and expand life-saving operations."

Dujarric said, "UNIFIL continues to assess the situation to ensure the safety and security of personnel," and stressed that "international law is not a mystery."

He also called for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure at all times.

Israel has repeatedly violated a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, signed in November 2024, carrying out near-daily strikes that have left hundreds dead and wounded.

Israel began its offensive against Lebanon in October 2023 and escalated it into a full-scale war in September 2024, killing more than 4,000 people and wounding 17,000.