The UN has expressed concern over the ongoing destruction in southern Lebanon by Israel, despite the current ceasefire in the conflict with the Shiite movement Hezbollah, AFP reports.

In its statement, the organization noted that the scale of the demolitions and razing of structures is causing “deep concern” because of the damage to civilian infrastructure, cultural heritage, and the historical memory of local communities.

The UN reaction was prompted by major nighttime explosions carried out by the Israeli army in the area of the ancient Beaufort Castle, recently added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites in danger.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the army had destroyed “terrorist tunnels in the Beaufort area,” using about 700 tons of explosives.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called what happened an “extremely dangerous escalation” and a direct threat to the arrangements reached under the agreement with Israel mediated by the United States.

Under the arrangements, the Lebanese army is to take control of Hezbollah’s weapons, while Israel is to withdraw its troops from certain zones where Lebanese forces are to be deployed afterward.

Aoun stressed that the timing of the explosions — on the eve of a new round of talks with Israel in Rome — “sends negative signals” and undermines international efforts to strengthen stability.

Lebanon’s state news agency also reported new explosions in several areas of the country’s south and an Israeli strike that, according to preliminary reports, injured two people.

The UN called for an end to the “escalating wave of destruction,” emphasizing that diplomatic mechanisms exist to resolve disputed issues.

The conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah escalated after the movement entered the war on Iran’s side. In response, Israel launched a large-scale air campaign and ground operation in Lebanon, which, according to Lebanese authorities, killed more than 4,300 people.