Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the United Nations to withdraw its peacekeeping forces from southern Lebanon after several U.N. personnel were injured by Israeli strikes in recent days. The injuries, affecting at least four U.N. peacekeepers, have drawn widespread international condemnation.

Netanyahu claims that the U.N. forces, part of the UNIFIL mission, are acting as a “human shield” for Hezbollah, the militant group based in southern Lebanon. He warned that the peacekeepers are at risk as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continue their military operations against Hezbollah, who they accuse of planning attacks on Israel. Despite Israel’s requests, UNIFIL has refused to evacuate, maintaining its mandate to prevent armed groups from operating in the area and to protect civilians.

This comes as Israel escalated its military campaign in Lebanon, launching overnight airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, destroying a market in Nabatiyeh and a mosque near the border. The IDF reported that “dozens” of Hezbollah positions, including rocket launchers and ammunition depots, were hit.

In parallel, Israel released classified documents that it claims were recovered from Hamas, showing plans for the October 7 attacks and alleged attempts to coordinate with Hezbollah and Iran. The documents reportedly indicate that Hamas sought support from both groups before launching the attack but did not receive direct aid.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, over 200 people have been killed as Israeli strikes continue into the ninth day of a major offensive. Northern Gaza, particularly the Jabaliya refugee camp and Kamal Adwan hospital, remains under siege, with humanitarian workers struggling to deliver aid to the area, sparking concerns about food shortages and worsening conditions for civilians trapped by the fighting.