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The Arab League strongly condemned Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon that killed civilians, warning that the escalation could undermine efforts to resolve the conflict and end the occupation.
In a written statement, Arab League Secretary-General spokesperson Gamal Roshdy said Israeli attacks targeting civilians in Nabatieh and surrounding villages and towns since the morning of Aug. 15 represented “a clear violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty” and a dangerous escalation that could derail efforts to resolve the conflict and end the occupation.
“Israel’s policies and practices clearly reveal the occupation’s intention to prolong the conflict, obstruct negotiations and impose a new reality on the ground that is absolutely unacceptable,” the statement said.
The Arab League warned that the situation could develop into a wider confrontation unless the international community, particularly the U.S., intervenes.
It called for “the Israeli war machine to be stopped immediately” and for Israel to be compelled to comply with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701.
The statement reaffirmed the Arab League’s solidarity with Lebanon and its people and expressed full support for the Lebanese state against attacks targeting the country’s security, stability, sovereignty and internal peace.
Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes Friday on the southern Lebanese towns of Deir al-Zahrani and Ansar despite the ceasefire, killing 11 people, including children, and wounding 19.
Hezbollah condemned the attacks in a written statement, criticizing Israel for continuing strikes in southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire and causing civilian deaths.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office acknowledged that civilians were killed in the strikes but claimed Hezbollah had placed civilians in the area.
The Israeli military launched intensive airstrikes on Lebanon on March 2 and occupied several towns in the country’s south.
The Lebanese government said more than 1 million people were displaced during the fighting.
A ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel took effect on April 17 and was later extended several times.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed 4,335 people.
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