British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has criticized remarks made by Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who stated that “all of Lebanon must burn” after four Israeli soldiers were killed in a retaliatory operation carried out by Hezbollah resistance fighters in southern Lebanon.
In a post published on the social media platform X, Cooper called the comments “a horrendous and abhorrent statement from an Israeli minister who has rightly been sanctioned by the UK Government.”
Cooper further appealed to Israel and Hezbollah to adhere to the ceasefire in Lebanon, and to avoid escalating tensions.
She emphasized the importance of “ensuring that all civilians are protected,” highlighting the necessity of preventing further violence while diplomatic efforts aim to stabilize the border situation.
MSF: Civilians trapped under shelling in Nabatieh
Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has criticized the recent shelling in Lebanon’s southern province of Nabatieh, labeling the assaults as “relentless” and “devastating.”
In a statement posted on social media, the medical group revealed that its teams on the ground described conditions as “resembling a death trap” since civilians are still exposed to continuous bombardments.
The MSF pointed out that individuals had been “caught under heavy shelling” and demanded immediate action to safeguard civilians and emergency personnel.
“The protection of civilians and first responders is essential, and there is an urgent need for unrestricted access for rescue teams,” the organization expressed, urging all parties involved to guarantee humanitarian access and ensure the safety of those addressing the attacks.
On Friday, two individuals lost their lives due to an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon, as reported by Lebanon’s official National News Agency (NNA), shortly after a ceasefire was announced by the United States between Israel and Hezbollah.
The drone strike specifically targeted a motorcycle on the Zibdin-Nabatieh road, according to the agency.
Earlier that same day, the Israeli military conducted over 106 strikes throughout Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of 47 individuals and injuring 97 others.