The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported construction activity and apparent preparations for a sustained presence in southern Lebanon, alongside military activity and restrictions on peacekeepers’ movement. The briefing did not identify who was preparing for a sustained presence.
U.N. Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq said the mission’s account covered Thursday through Sunday and included drone operations and a significant ground presence. It recorded six Israeli airstrikes — three Thursday and three Sunday — and 360 artillery trajectories affecting areas near Houla, Al Qantara, Brashit, Mansouri and Majdel Zoun.
Restrictions took different forms across the area: gates and barriers impeded peacekeepers most in Sector East, while Israel Defense Forces soldiers and tanks restricted travel in both directions near Al Bayyada in Sector West on Friday.
Humanitarian movements continued under coordination arrangements involving UNIFIL and the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Haq said five movements were deconflicted Thursday and one Friday.
