October 24, 2026
The Acting United Nations Special Coordinator, Jean Arnault, conducted a field tour in southern Lebanon that focused on examining the extent of the destruction and restrictions imposed on the lives of residents in the border villages, in parallel with a visit he made to the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the town of Naqoura.
In Naqoura, Arno met with the Commander of the UNIFIL mission, General Deodato Abagnaara, and a number of peacekeepers, where he praised their belief in the objectives of their mission and their commitment to working for peace and security in the region despite the dangers surrounding them, and at a time when the mission is approaching the end of its mandate.
Arnault’s field tour included the border villages of Dibal and Zibqin, where he learned about the harsh conditions and the extent of the destruction inflicted on residents’ lives and livelihoods, as well as the severe restrictions imposed on access to agricultural land and basic services.
The Acting Special Coordinator pointed out that these extremely complex conditions make the survival of residents in these local communities extremely difficult, in light of the direct repercussions of the damage and restrictions on their daily routine and ability to continue.
At the conclusion of the tour, Arnault reiterated the United Nations’ firm commitment to supporting the people of southern Lebanon and continuing efforts aimed at achieving permanent security and stability in the region.
These UN movements come at a time when the southern border villages continue to suffer from field and humanitarian repercussions, amid serious challenges that impede restoring life to the affected areas and securing services and agricultural lands, before the end of UNIFIL’s mandate.
