UN urges restraint after rockets fired into Israel from south Lebanon

The United Nations has confirmed that at least three rockets were fired into Israel from south Lebanon, with Israeli forces returning fire, and has called for maximum restraint following the attack, which comes amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said the rockets fired into Israel came from the general area of Tayr Harfa in south Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) returned fire with a few artillery rounds directed at the location from where the rockets originated.

The IDF meanwhile is continuing with the military operation it began on 27 December, with the stated aim of ending rocket and other attacks by militants in Gaza. The nearly two-week operation has reportedly led to some 680 deaths and injured more than 3,000.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the firing of rockets against Israel from southern Lebanon and reminded the parties of their obligation to fully adhere to Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hizbollah, and to respect the cessation of hostilities agreement.

“The Secretary-General is relieved that today’s incident did not escalate and urges both parties to exercise maximum restraint,” the statement added.

UNIFIL Force Commander General Claudio Graziano, who also called for restraint to prevent any escalation of the situation, is maintaining close contact with the parties, who have reassured him about their continued commitment to maintain the cessation of hostilities, in accordance with resolution 1701.

UNIFIL, in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces, has taken immediate measures to identify the perpetrators of the attack, for which no one has yet claimed responsibility.

Additional troops have been deployed on the ground and patrols have been intensified across UNIFIL’s area of operations to prevent any further incidents. The Lebanese Armed Forces has also decided to deploy additional units in the south in order to further enhance security in the area.