BEIRUT, Lebanon, Sept 23, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - The UN Interim Force in Lebanon 
warned Monday that further escalation on the Israel-Lebanon border risked 
having "devastating" regional consequences, as Israel said it hit Hezbollah 
targets and the group struck back.

"Any further escalation of this dangerous situation could have far-reaching 
and devastating consequences, not only for those living on both sides of the 
Blue Line but also for the broader region," the UNIFIL peacekeeping force 
said in a statement.

The Blue Line is the demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon.

The force expressed "grave concern for the safety of civilians in southern 
Lebanon amidst the most intense Israeli bombing campaign since last October".

"Attacks on civilians are not only violations of international law but could 
amount to war crimes," the statement said.

"UNIFIL reiterates its strong call for a diplomatic solution and urges all 
parties to prioritise civilian lives and ensure they are not put in harm's 
way," it added.

Hezbollah has traded near daily cross-border fire with Israeli forces in 
support of Hamas since the Palestinian militant group's October 7 attack 
triggered the Gaza war, but the violence has spiked dramatically in recent 
days.

Head of UNIFIL Aroldo Lazaro has been in contact with "both Lebanese and 
Israeli parties, emphasising the urgent need for de-escalation", the 
statement said, adding that "efforts are ongoing to reduce tensions and halt 
the shelling."

"It is essential to fully recommit to the implementation of UN Security 
Council Resolution 1701," the statement said, referring to a resolution that 
ended a 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.