The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has expressed deep concern over the potential escalation of violence in the region.

A UNIFIL spokesperson has warned of the devastating consequences a broader conflict could have for both Israel and Lebanon, urging all involved parties to exercise restraint.

The concern arises following the mysterious death of Hamas's deputy leader, Saleh al-Arouri, in an explosion in Beirut. Although Israel has not confirmed its involvement in the incident, it has described it as a "surgical strike" against Hamas.

Iranian officials have strongly condemned the alleged Israeli attack resulting in al-Arouri's death. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has criticized Israel for its "cowardly terrorist operations" in a social media post.

In response to the situation, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib has disclosed that his government has urged Hezbollah to refrain from retaliating. Meanwhile, in Gaza, the UN reports that five people lost their lives in an attack on the Palestinian Red Crescent building in Khan Younis. Israel has urged the evacuation of the city.

Recent events follow a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, where at least 1,200 people lost their lives, and around 240 were taken hostage. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, over 22,000 people have died in the territory since the start of the Israeli retaliation campaign.

With information from the BBC.