Officials say Israel is expanding its presence in occupied areas of Lebanon, with a UN peacekeeping force reporting that troops are fortifying positions and continuing demolitions, according to the BBC.
Key facts
- A BBC team joined a humanitarian mission run by the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon.
- Officials say Israel is expanding its presence in occupied areas.
- The UN peacekeeping force says Israeli troops are fortifying positions.
- Demolitions are continuing, according to the peacekeeping force.
A BBC team has travelled inside occupied areas of Lebanon, accompanying a humanitarian mission run by the UN peacekeeping force, as officials say Israel is expanding its presence in the region.
According to the BBC, the UN peacekeeping force says Israeli troops are fortifying their positions in the areas visited.
The peacekeeping force also reports that demolitions are continuing, the BBC said.
The BBC’s access came through the humanitarian mission organised by the peacekeeping force, allowing its team to report from inside the occupied areas.
The reports of expanding positions and ongoing demolitions were attributed to officials and to the UN peacekeeping force during the visit.
Why it matters
Reports of an expanding foreign military presence and continuing demolitions in occupied territory carry significant implications for civilians living in the affected areas and for regional stability. Independent access by a BBC team offers rare on-the-ground documentation of conditions that are otherwise difficult to verify.
Frequently asked questions
What did the BBC report about Israel's presence in Lebanon?
The BBC reported that officials say Israel is expanding its presence in occupied areas of Lebanon, with a UN peacekeeping force stating that troops are fortifying positions and continuing demolitions.
How did the BBC gain access to the occupied areas?
A BBC team joined a humanitarian mission run by the UN peacekeeping force to travel inside the occupied areas.
What is the UN peacekeeping force saying is happening?
According to the BBC, the UN peacekeeping force says Israeli troops are fortifying their positions and that demolitions are continuing.