China Warns of Dangerous Escalation in Lebanon as Israeli Ceasefire Violations Persist
China’s UN envoy said Israeli violations have effectively collapsed the fragile ceasefire and risk pushing Lebanon into a more dangerous crisis.
Lebanon, PUREWILAYAH.COM — China has warned that the situation in Lebanon is rapidly deteriorating following Israel’s expanding military operations inside Lebanese territory, raising fears of a broader regional escalation.
Speaking during an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council on Monday, China’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Fu Cong, said Israeli military activities inside Lebanon have intensified significantly in recent days.
Fu noted that Israeli forces have expanded their military presence beyond previously established positions, with reports indicating that occupation troops crossed the Litani River and advanced toward the historic al-Shaqif Fortress (Beaufort Castle).
According to the Chinese envoy, the reported advance marks the deepest Israeli military incursion into Lebanese territory in more than twenty years.
“The continued expansion of ground operations has caused serious concern within the international community,” Fu said, warning that the situation risks descending into an even more dangerous phase if urgent measures are not taken.
China emphasized that the already fragile ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel has effectively collapsed amid continued Israeli military operations and growing regional tensions.
Fu called for an immediate halt to hostilities and urged the international community to increase support for Lebanon in order to preserve stability, strengthen the role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and prevent further regional destabilization.
European Leaders Condemn Israeli Escalation
China’s warning came as several European leaders also voiced concern over Israel’s deepening military operations in southern Lebanon.
French President Emmanuel Macron called for an immediate cessation of fighting, stating that nothing justifies the major escalation currently taking place in southern Lebanon.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss the situation and seek measures to prevent further deterioration.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper likewise urged both Israel and Hezbollah to respect the ceasefire arrangements, while specifically criticizing Israel’s continued advance into southern Lebanon.
She stated that Israel’s deeper incursions have resulted in civilian casualties, displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and the erosion of diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring stability.
German Foreign Minister Joschann Wadephul also expressed concern, warning that any further escalation would increase tensions and force additional Lebanese civilians from their homes.
Hezbollah Says Israeli Forces Failed to Secure Beaufort Castle
Meanwhile, Hezbollah announced Monday that Israeli occupation forces briefly reached the vicinity of the historic Beaufort Castle during an operation conducted on May 30 but failed to establish permanent control over the area.
Israeli forces carried out more than five consecutive days of intensive airstrikes and artillery bombardment targeting Yohmor al-Shaqif and surrounding villages in an effort to advance toward the fortress.
Hezbollah fighters engaged the advancing Israeli forces in intense confrontations south of Yohmor al-Shaqif, preventing them from reaching their intended objectives.
Hezbollah said the Israeli military was ultimately forced to limit its operations to the eastern sector of the area, where difficult terrain and challenging geographical conditions restricted troop movement and operational effectiveness.
The group stressed that despite extensive aerial bombardment and ground assaults, Israeli forces were unable to establish a lasting foothold around the strategic fortress overlooking southern Lebanon. (PW)