Lebanese President: Israeli Airstrikes on Southern Bridges are a Prelude to Ground Invasion

BEIRUT, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on the 22nd that the Israeli airstrikes on multiple bridges in southern Lebanon constitute a "serious escalation" of the conflict, a blatant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty, and a precursor to a ground invasion by the Israeli military.

Aoun condemned Israel for destroying infrastructure in southern Lebanon, particularly the Qasimiyeh Bridge over the Litani River and other bridges, in a statement.

He pointed out that the bridges over the Litani River are vital for public access, and the attacks on them aim to sever the connection between southern Lebanon and other regions, hindering humanitarian aid from entering. The Israeli military's intentions behind such attacks are clear, aiming to establish a buffer zone, consolidate the reality of occupation, and promote Israel's expansion within Lebanon.

Aoun emphasized that the systematic destruction of infrastructure, civilian facilities, and residential areas in Lebanese villages constitutes collective punishment against civilians. "This is unacceptable, should be condemned, and has no justification. It clearly violates the provisions of international humanitarian law that prohibit attacks on civilians and their essential facilities."

Aoun stated that in the context of the ongoing escalation, the Lebanese government calls on the international community, especially the United Nations and members of the Security Council, to take their responsibilities seriously and take immediate action to stop Israel from continuing such attacks. He said that continued silence or inaction would only encourage further violations and undermine the credibility of the international community.

According to the Israel Times, the Israel Defense Forces earlier that day struck the Qasimiyeh Bridge, claiming the purpose was to prevent Hezbollah from transporting personnel and weapons to southern Lebanon. This was the fifth bridge in southern Lebanon targeted by Israeli airstrikes since the resurgence of the Lebanon-Israel conflict earlier in March due to large-scale attacks by Israel and the United States against Iran.