The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has expressed grave concern over reports of Lebanese civilians returning to villages where Israeli army remains deployed, as well as the casualties resulting from Israeli fire. In a statement, UNIFIL stressed the urgent need to prevent further escalation in the region.

"At the request of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), UNIFIL peacekeepers are deploying to areas identified by the LAF across the mission’s area of operations to monitor the situation and help prevent any further escalation," UNIFIL said in a statement.

However, the statement clarified that "the management of crowds remains outside our mandate."

UNIFIL called on the Lebanese population to cooperate with the directives issued by the LAF, emphasizing that such adherence is critical to "protect lives and prevent an escalation of violence in southern Lebanon." The peacekeeping force further urged the Israeli army to refrain from firing at civilians within Lebanese territory, stressing that "further violence risks undermining the fragile security situation in the area."

The UN peacekeeping mission also highlighted the importance of maintaining the stability achieved by the cessation of hostilities and the formation of a government in Lebanon, which are crucial to the prospects for peace in the region.

"UNIFIL emphasizes the critical importance of fully implementing UNSCR 1701 and the cessation of hostilities arrangements through established mechanisms," the statement continued. "This includes the complete withdrawal of the Israeli army from Lebanon, the removal of any unauthorized weapons and assets south of the Litani River, the redeployment of the LAF in all of south Lebanon, and ensuring the safe and dignified return of displaced civilians on both sides of the Blue Line."