The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) urged “maximum restraint" along the Lebanese-Israeli border on Wednesday after Israel had announced that missile attacks were launched from Lebanon into its territory.

A missile exploded in an open site, while Israel’s defence system, the Iron Dome, intercepted another missile. The Israeli army responded with an artillery attack.

UNIFIL called for a ceasefire “to avoid further escalation”, adding that Major General Stefano Del Col, its head of mission and force commander, has immediately contacted both parties.

“UNIFIL remains fully engaged with the parties through our liaison and coordination channels and we are working with the (Lebanese army forces) to ensure immediate follow up on the ground and to reinforce security along the Blue Line,” read a UNIFIL statement.