BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 17. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has reported a “marked increase” in Israeli military activity across southern Lebanon over the past two weeks, warning that civilians are bearing the greatest burden as tensions continue to rise.
UNIFIL said that between August 5 and 16, it recorded an average of 137 projectiles per day in southern Lebanon. The peacekeeping force reported 208 projectiles on Saturday and 185 on Sunday.
“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,” UNIFIL said in a post on X.
The latest figures come amid continued Israeli military activity in southern Lebanon despite a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
UNIFIL has operated in southern Lebanon since its mandate was established in 1978 during the Lebanese civil war. The mission is currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2026.
The peacekeeping force has remained a significant part of international efforts to monitor the situation along the Lebanon-Israel border, particularly after years of conflict and repeated Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon.
Thousands of people have been killed in the conflict with Israel, while widespread destruction has affected communities across southern Lebanon. Despite the devastation, UNIFIL continues to receive domestic and international support.
If a new force replaces UNIFIL after its mandate expires, it is expected to have fewer troops and operate as part of a broader regional security arrangement.
