The United Nations on Saturday, August 1, 2026, expressed serious concern over Israel's ongoing demolitions in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire in the conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah.
In a statement, the office of the UN special coordinator for Lebanon said, "The scale of the detonations and demolitions taking place in south Lebanon is deeply concerning, with a devastating impact on civilian infrastructure, cultural heritage, and the collective memory of communities."
This statement followed large overnight detonations carried out by the Israeli military near Beaufort castle, a site recently added to UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said the army destroyed "terror tunnels in the Beaufort area" using approximately 700 tonnes of explosives.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the detonations on Friday, describing them as "an extremely dangerous escalation" and "a direct threat to the process which was launched as part of the framework agreement" reached with Israel during US-sponsored talks last month.
Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported several powerful detonations in other parts of southern Lebanon, some audible across the region.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military stated on Saturday that it killed several Hezbollah fighters inside what it called a "security zone" in Lebanon. An Israeli soldier was moderately injured and evacuated to a hospital for treatment.
The timing of these blasts comes ahead of another round of talks with Israel scheduled in Rome next week, where Lebanese forces are expected to deploy.
The UN called for an end to the escalating pattern of destruction, emphasizing that diplomatic channels exist to resolve outstanding issues.
An Israeli tank drives through Zawtar al-Sharqiyah village, occupied by Israeli forces, as seen from the southern village of Zawtar al-Gharbieh, Lebanon, Monday, July 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Mustafa Jamalddine)
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