(MENAFN) Belgium condemned Israeli attacks on clearly identified UN peacekeeping troops in Lebanon, emphasizing that UN Security Council Resolution 1701 must be respected, according to reports.

The Belgian Foreign Ministry expressed concern via social media over a wall constructed “illegally” by Israel along Lebanon’s southern border. “This is a breach of international law and the territorial integrity,” the ministry added.

The Lebanese army also condemned the incident, stating that Israeli tank fire targeted a UNIFIL patrol in southern Lebanon. The statement accused Israel of violating Lebanese sovereignty and obstructing full deployment of the Lebanese army in the south.

UNIFIL described the attack, which occurred near an Israeli-built position inside Lebanese territory, as a “serious violation” of Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006. The resolution calls for a cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel and the establishment of a weapons-free zone between the Litani River and the UN-mapped “Blue Line” separating Lebanon from Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Tensions in southern Lebanon have been rising, with the Israeli military conducting near-daily air raids within Lebanese territory, allegedly targeting Hezbollah members and infrastructure.

Since the start of Israeli attacks in October 2023, which escalated into a full-scale offensive in September 2024, more than 4,000 people have reportedly been killed and nearly 17,000 injured.

Although a ceasefire declared in November 2024 required the Israeli army to withdraw from southern Lebanon in January, only a partial withdrawal occurred, with forces continuing to occupy five border outposts.

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