The United Nations (UN) has announced that its peacekeepers will remain in their positions along Lebanon’s southern border, despite Israel’s request for them to vacate certain areas before launching a ground operation against Hezbollah militants. According to Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the undersecretary-general for peace operations, the UN peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL, is in constant communication with both the Israeli and Lebanese militaries, which is crucial for the safety of the more than 10,000 peacekeepers. Lacroix emphasized that UNIFIL is the only channel of communication between the parties involved and is working with partners to protect the population.
UNIFIL was initially created to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon after the 1978 invasion. Its mission was expanded after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, allowing peacekeepers to deploy along the Israeli border. However, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding the disarmament of all armed groups, including Hezbollah, and the deployment of the Lebanese army to the border, this has not yet been achieved after 17 years.
Lacroix stated that UNIFIL had anticipated a limited and targeted ground operation and had thoroughly discussed whether the peacekeepers should stay or not, ultimately deciding to remain for the time being. He also mentioned that contingency plans are in place, but he could not disclose them. Lacroix stressed that both Israel and Hezbollah have a responsibility to protect the UN peacekeepers.
The recent escalation of violence in the Middle East, with Israeli ground forces crossing into southern Lebanon and increased airstrikes, comes as the region awaits Israel’s response to Iran’s ballistic missile attack. This conflict began after Iranian-backed Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7, and Israel retaliated with a military offensive in Gaza.
Lacroix acknowledged that there were some issues after Israel’s ground operation began, but the UN’s liaison mechanism with Israeli and Lebanese counterparts has been effective in addressing them. He also mentioned that UNIFIL is currently not conducting patrols, but its positions are still manned, with a 20% reduction in peacekeepers in some areas. When asked about the proximity of Israeli fire to UN bases or positions, Lacroix stated that the liaison operation is crucial in preventing and handling any potential incidents that could endanger the safety and security of the peacekeepers.
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