Lebanon: UN force in south maintains activities despite heavy fire near positions

The United Nations force that monitors the line of withdrawal between Israel and Lebanon reported today that it has maintained its positions and humanitarian activities despite continuing heavy exchanges of fire between Israeli and Hizbollah forces in the area.

There were seven incidents of firing during the past 24 hours near installations of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), with three positions suffering direct hits from the Israeli side, the mission said. No casualties were reported in the incidents.

Because of the fighting and extensive destruction of roads and bridges in the area, all personnel near the so-called Blue Line that separates the countries are facing shortages of basic supplies, the mission said, although it added that it was able to re-supply a number of positions yesterday and planned to service more today.

Among humanitarian activities it is carrying out, UNIFIL said it has provided an escort for civilians from Naqoura in the south to the safer city of Tyre, including the medical evacuation of a child who had received treatment at the mission’s hospital.

Some humanitarian convoys are planned for today, but the ability to move will depend on the situation on the ground, the mission said.