Israeli ground forces entered southern Lebanon on October 1, targeting Hezbollah strongholds, citing violations of UN resolutions. The incursion follows weeks of conflict related to the Gaza war, prompting calls for a ceasefire and respect for Lebanon's sovereignty. UNIFIL urged both nations to recommit to Resolution 1701.

On early Tuesday, October 1, Israeli ground forces initiated an incursion into southern Lebanon, breaching the country’s sovereignty.

The spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated, "These localized ground raids will target Hezbollah strongholds that pose a threat to Israeli towns, kibbutzim, and communities along our border."

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari emphasized the legal rationale for the operation, noting, "For decades, UN Security Council resolutions have urged Lebanon to ensure that its territory is free from non-governmental armed groups. U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, established in 2006 and agreed upon by both Israel and Lebanon, mandates that no armed personnel or weapons, other than those belonging to the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL, are present in southern Lebanon."

In response, UNIFIL issued a statement urging both Israel and Lebanon to recommit to Resolution 1701. The statement added, "Any crossing into Lebanon constitutes a violation of this resolution."

Later in the day, sirens were activated in central Israel after the Israeli military reported that "projectiles" had been launched from Lebanon.

This Israeli incursion follows weeks of significant military actions against the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which began firing rockets into northern Israel following the outbreak of the war in Gaza. Civilians living far from the border have also faced the consequences, as deadly Israeli bombardments have persisted in the capital, Beirut.

The report calls for a complete cessation of hostilities, which includes an immediate halt to all attacks by Hezbollah and a cessation of offensive military operations by Israel. It also emphasizes the need for the Government of Lebanon to extend its control over all Lebanese territory, aligning with the provisions of Resolution 1559 (2004) and Resolution 1680 (2006), as well as the relevant elements of the Taif Accords. This is essential for the government to exercise full sovereignty, ensuring that no weapons exist without its consent and that no authority operates other than that of the Lebanese government.

Furthermore, there is a call for support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognized borders, as outlined in the Israeli-Lebanese General Armistice Agreement dated March 23, 1949.

Israel and Lebanon are urged to work toward a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution based on key principles, including full respect for the Blue Line by both parties and the establishment of security arrangements to prevent the resumption of hostilities. This includes creating an area free of armed personnel, assets, and weapons—apart from those of the Government of Lebanon and UNIFIL, as authorized in paragraph 11 of the agreement—between the Blue Line and the Litani River.