UN criticizes Lebenon for rocket attacks on Israel

Condemning the firing of rockets into Israel from south Lebanon, the United Nations has asked the concerned parties to restrain themselves amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the firing of rockets against Israel from southern Lebanon and reminded the parties of their obligation to fully adhere to Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hizbollah, and to respect the cessation of hostilities agreement.

"The Secretary-General is relieved that today's incident did not escalate and urges both parties to exercise maximum restraint," the statement added.

Three rockets were fired into Israel yesterday, sparking a new military alert as Israel has launched a major offensive in Gaza aiming to halt rocket attacks by Hamas into southern Israel.

The Israeli government believes radical Palestinians angered by Israel's offensive in Gaza fired the rockets. However, Hamas and the Hezbollah group in Lebanon denied any involvement in the attack.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said the rockets fired into Israel came from the general area of Tayr Harfa in south Lebanon. The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) returned fire with a few artillery rounds directed at the location from where the rockets originated.

Analysts said it was not clear whether it amounted to opening of second front or it was just an isolated incidents, but UNIFIL is treating it an isolated incident.

UNIFIL Force Commander General Claudio Graziano, who also called for restraint to prevent any escalation of the situation, is maintaining close contact with the parties, who have reassured him about their continued commitment to maintain the cessation of hostilities.

UNIFIL, in coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces, has taken immediate measures to identify the perpetrators of the attack, for which no one has yet claimed responsibility.

Meanwhile, additional troops have been deployed on the ground and patrols have been intensified across UNIFIL's area of operations to prevent any further incidents.

The Lebanese Armed Forces has also decided to deploy additional units in the south in order to further enhance security in the area.