"Blatant violation of ceasefire": Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam condemns recent Israeli attacks
Beirut, August 1
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Friday sharply condemned recent military actions by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, describing them as a direct breach of international law and existing truce commitments and a threat to UNESCO sites
In a post on X, Prime Minister Salam warned that the escalating strikes pose severe risks to civilians in the south while inflicting damage on historically significant heritage sites.
"The ongoing Israeli assaults in southern Lebanon--through explosions, shelling, and systematic destruction--represent a blatant violation of the ceasefire, in addition to constituting a flagrant breach of Lebanon's sovereignty and security, as well as the principles and rules of international law," Salam stated.
"They not only embody a condemned escalatory approach but also pose a threat to the safety of our people in the south, not to mention the damage inflicted upon the archaeological landmarks inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, which constitute a cherished part of our nation's history," he added.
His remarks come as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it dismantled several key underground tunnels beneath the Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon during a "limited activity" in the area of the security zone, as US-brokered Israel-Lebanon talks are set to resume in Rome in August.
The IDF said the tunnel network served as a central command centre for Hezbollah, from where its commanders managed combat operations and directed fire toward Israeli troops and civilians.
According to the IDF, the underground network consisted of several levels and had been constructed over two decades. The IDF also said that it served as a central command centre for Hezbollah's Bader Unit in southern Lebanon and was "planned and funded by the Iranian terrorist regime."
The IDF said the network posed a threat to northern Israel as it was located approximately six kilometres from Metula and the Galilee Panhandle.
"Over the course of the war, dozens of UAVs, explosive devices, and anti-tank missiles were launched from this infrastructure toward Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers," the IDF said."Tonight, the IDF dismantled a significant portion of the underground tunnel network," it added.
The Israeli military said its forces had completed their deployment in the Beaufort Ridge area over the past several weeks while maintaining operational control of the underground tunnel network and preparing it for dismantling.
"IDF soldiers continue to operate in the area of Ali Taher Ridge, remain on high alert, and are prepared for both defensive and offensive scenarios. Attacks on IDF soldiers will be responded to accordingly," the IDF said.
The military also said it remained committed to the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon while continuing operations aimed at removing threats to its forces.
The development comes as Israel and Lebanon prepare for the next round of US-brokered talks, which are scheduled to take place in Rome from August 4 to August 6, according to a July 27 report by The Times of Israel citing the US State Department.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I understand Israel's security concerns, this level of aggression seems disproportionate. The tunnels were a valid threat, but destroying archaeological sites crosses a line. India has always stood for peace and diplomacy - perhaps we should be more vocal in supporting mediation efforts here. The Rome talks need to succeed for the sake of innocent civilians on both sides.
The situation in the Middle East has been volatile for decades, and this is just another chapter in that ongoing conflict. The damage to UNESCO sites is particularly unfortunate - these monuments belong to all of humanity, not just Lebanon. Hopefully the upcoming Rome talks can bring some stability to the region.
Everyone talks about Israel's right to defend itself, but what about Lebanon's sovereignty? These tunnels were dismantled without any accountability. It's ironic how some nations demand strict adherence to rules while themselves violating them so casually. India has historically supported the Palestinian cause, and this situation reinforces why we must stand firm in our principles of justice and non-interference.
The Israeli military says they found Iranian-funded tunnels, and I'm sure they did. But the question is: does that justify destroying historical sites? These are important cultural treasures that can never be rebuilt. There has to be a better way to handle security threats without sacrificing so much heritage.
As an Indian, I can relate to the pain of seeing cultural heritage damaged. Our own history has seen such destruction during partition. The international community talks about protecting heritage sites, but when push comes to shove, political interests take precedence. Very sad state of affairs.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.