Kathmandu— Civilians in southern Lebanon are increasingly affected by heightened Israeli military activity, according to a statement released Monday by the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The peacekeeping force reported an average of 137 projectiles fired per day between August 5 and 16, with particularly high numbers – 208 on Saturday and 185 on Sunday – indicating escalating tensions. This increase in hostilities comes despite a renewed ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States in June, which is linked to the disarmament of Hezbollah but does not mandate Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas of southern Lebanon.

Increased Projectile Fire

UNIFIL reported a significant surge in projectile fire over the past two weeks, averaging 137 per day. The force documented 208 projectiles fired on Saturday and 185 on Sunday, highlighting the rapidly escalating situation. This increase in attacks is placing civilians at risk and disrupting daily life in southern Lebanon.

Ceasefire Agreement Stalled

The recent escalation occurs despite the renewal of a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel on June 26th. The agreement hinges on the disarmament of Hezbollah, but does not require Israeli forces to withdraw from parts of southern Lebanon they currently occupy. Hezbollah has rejected the deal unless Israel fully withdraws.

Civilian Impact and Displacement

UNIFIL expressed concern over the impact of the escalating violence on civilians. “As tensions rise, civilians are once again paying the highest price, with many families displaced or forced to change their daily routines because of insecurity and uncertainty,” the peacekeeping force stated. The death toll from Israeli assaults since March has reached 4,346 after eleven people were killed in air raids on Saturday.

UNIFIL’s Role and Mandate

UNIFIL peacekeepers continue to patrol and monitor the region, removing obstacles, mitigating explosive risks, and facilitating humanitarian access. The force emphasizes that UN Security Council Resolution 1701 remains crucial for restoring stability in southern Lebanon. Adopted in 2006, this resolution calls for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as strengthening the Lebanese army’s presence alongside UNIFIL. Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun has voiced support for extending UNIFIL’s mandate, which is set to expire at the end of the year.

Israel’s Objectives

Ziad Abu Rish, an associate professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Bard College, previously stated that Israel appears intent on escalating strikes in Lebanon “to demonstrate an undeterred resolve” to maintain its presence in the south and target both Hezbollah and Lebanese civilians. According to Rish, “It is clear that the Israeli policy has been to collectively punish the Lebanese population and in particular Shia-majority parts of Lebanon and south Lebanon as it wages a campaign, not just against Hezbollah, but against the Lebanese people.”

Negotiations between Lebanon and Israel continue, with a seventh round held earlier this month, though progress remains limited. The future of UNIFIL’s mandate is also under debate internationally.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.