• Israel deploys white phosphorus munitions during heavy bombardment campaigns across southern Lebanon’s Zawtar al-Sharquyah and Kfar Reman villages in the Nabatieh governorate, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.

Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon continue to cause displacement, UN says

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says continued Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon are still impacting civilians and sometimes preventing people from returning home or can “trigger localized displacement”.

“As of mid-August, more than 350,000 people remain displaced across Lebanon while approximately 860,000 people have returned to their communities of origin or nearby areas although many continue to face significant challenges and these should not be considered durable returns,” UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch told the Anadolu news agency.

Baloch added that about 23,000 people remain in shelters.

“UNHCR continues to monitor displacement trends closely and, together with partners, remains committed to supporting displaced populations, returnees and host communities affected by the ongoing situation,” he said.

EU planning new mission to train Lebanese soldiers, top EU diplomat says

The European Union is planning a new mission to advise and train the Lebanese armed forces, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says.

“The EU is not seeking to replace UNIFIL [the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon]. We are investing in Lebanon’s capacity to provide security for itself,” Kallas said, adding that training would include “border and maritime security”.

UNIFIL was created in 1978, days after Israel invaded southern Lebanon. Its mandate is due to expire on December 31, which would bring an end to the peacekeeping mission’s 48-year role.

“Our objective is to strengthen the Lebanese armed forces and the ability of the Lebanese state to provide security across its territory. Planning is progressing well, and we aim for the [European] Council decision to launch in October.”

The European External Action Service, the EU’s diplomatic service, has circulated a proposal in recent months for a three-year military and civilian mission to advise and train the Lebanese military and the Internal Security Forces, Lebanon’s police.