BEIRUT, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Sunday condemned Israel's targeting and destruction of infrastructure and vital facilities in southern Lebanon, particularly the Qasmiyeh Bridge over the Litani River and other bridges.
Aoun said in a statement that the attacks constitute a dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty, warning that they could be a "prelude to a ground invasion" that Lebanon has repeatedly cautioned against through diplomatic channels.
He added that the attacks reflect a systematic destruction of infrastructure, civilian facilities, and residential areas in Lebanese villages, describing them as a form of collective punishment against civilians and a violation of international humanitarian law.
The president said that targeting bridges over the Litani River, a vital artery for civilian movement, aims to cut geographical connectivity between areas south of the river and the rest of Lebanon, hinder humanitarian aid access, and fall within plans to establish a buffer zone and expand Israeli presence inside Lebanese territory.
Aoun called on the international community, particularly the United Nations and the Security Council, to assume their responsibilities and take immediate measures to deter Israel from continuing its attacks, warning that silence or inaction would encourage further violations and undermine the credibility of the international community.
Israeli warplanes struck the Qasmiyeh Bridge in southern Lebanon on Sunday, Lebanon's National News Agency reported, as Israel launched a new wave of airstrikes across the region.
The Israeli military confirmed the strikes, saying they targeted Hezbollah positions along the river, Lebanon's longest at roughly 170 km, which has long served as a key geographic boundary in past conflicts with the group.
Hezbollah said it launched rockets from Lebanon toward Israel on March 2, the first such attack since a ceasefire was declared on Nov. 27, 2024. Israel subsequently launched a military campaign against the group, including intensive airstrikes on areas in southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as Beirut's southern suburbs.
