(CNN)-- The Arab League condemned on Sunday what it described as "the Israeli aggression on Lebanon," saying that Israel continues to "destroy villages and archaeological sites in southern Lebanon and target civilians and displace them."
This came in an official statement, which considered that what Israel is doing is "a blatant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and a serious breach of international law and international humanitarian law."
The statement stressed the necessity of an immediate halt to "the Israeli aggression, which poses a serious threat to security and stability in the region," and the importance of the UN Security Council assuming its responsibility and "compelling Israel to cease fire and fully implement Resolution 1701."
Resolution 1701 was adopted unanimously by the UN Security Council in August 2006, ending hostilities between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah. It establishes a demilitarized zone free of weapons and armed personnel except for the Lebanese army and UNIFIL forces, along with the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Strikes between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated in recent days, despite indications that an agreement between Iran and the United States to end the war is near.
The Israeli army announced on Sunday that it had captured the historic Beaufort Castle (Qalaat al-Shaqif) in southern Lebanon, as part of expanding its military operations inside Lebanese territory.
The capture of the castle, located near the city of Nabatieh and about 14.5 kilometers from the Israeli border, came after days of fierce battles in the area.
The Lebanese National News Agency reported on Saturday that Israeli airstrikes and "heavy shelling" had taken place around the castle, while Hezbollah claimed it destroyed an Israeli tank near the site.
UNESCO describes the castle as "one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the Near East."
