The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) issued a statement on Thursday urging for a prompt withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, referencing what it described as Israeli breaches of a ceasefire agreement established on November 27 with the Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Israel and Hezbollah had previously reached a U.S.-mediated 60-day ceasefire, which stipulates a gradual withdrawal of Israeli military presence following over a year of conflict, in accordance with a 2006 U.N. Security Council resolution that concluded their last significant hostilities.

As part of this agreement, Hezbollah is required to vacate its positions in southern Lebanon and relocate north of the Litani River, situated approximately 20 miles (30 km) north of the Israeli border, alongside a complete Israeli withdrawal from the southern region.

In its statement, UNIFIL expressed alarm over what it characterized as ongoing destruction of residential areas, agricultural land, and infrastructure by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, labeling this as a violation of U.N. Resolution 1701.

“UNIFIL continues to call for the prompt withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces and the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (to replace Hezbollah) in southern Lebanon, while advocating for the full implementation of Resolution 1701 as a holistic approach to achieving peace,” the statement indicated.

The Israeli military acknowledged UNIFIL’s concerns and stated that it is reviewing the criticism, but refrained from providing additional comments at this time. According to the terms of the ceasefire with Hezbollah, Israeli forces have a period of up to 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon, during which neither party is permitted to initiate offensive actions.

Lebanon’s military announced that it is in communication with UNIFIL and the committee overseeing the agreement concerning what it described as an intensified incursion by Israeli forces into certain regions of southern Lebanon. UNIFIL confirmed its commitment to oversee the area south of the Litani River, ensuring it remains devoid of armed individuals and weaponry, apart from those belonging to the Lebanese government and UNIFIL itself.

The ceasefire concluded the most severe clash between Israel and Hezbollah since their six-week conflict in 2006. Nevertheless, Israel has persisted with military actions against Palestinian militants in Gaza.