UN condemns Israeli demolitions in southern Lebanon amid rising civilian casualties

The United Nations warned that the scale of Israeli demolitions in southern Lebanon is “deeply concerning,” citing the use of roughly 700 tons of explosives near the UNESCO‑listed Beaufort Castle and the resulting damage to civilian infrastructure and cultural heritage. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the detonations an “extremely dangerous escalation” and warned they threaten the framework agreement that would see Hezbollah disarmed and Israeli forces withdrawn from pilot zones.

The UN also reported a sharp increase in civilian deaths across the wider Middle East. Since the March 2 cease‑fire, more than 4,300 people have been killed in southern Lebanon, with 349 fatalities recorded after the latest cease‑fire announcement. UNICEF noted that children continue to bear the heaviest burden, citing recent strikes that killed a two‑year‑old on Iran’s Qeshm Island. UN Secretary‑General António Guterres reiterated that “the fighting must stop” and urged all parties to respect humanitarian law.

These developments highlight escalating violence that threatens both civilian lives and heritage sites in the region.