UNIFIL confirmed that its peacekeepers continue to be present on the ground in southern Lebanon, monitoring the situation and reporting on the violations they observe, in line with its mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
UNIFIL indicated, in posts on its accounts, that peacekeepers are still facing restrictions that limit their freedom of movement, including the closure of roads due to barriers, rubble and other obstacles, which sometimes leads to the temporary suspension of essential patrols and safety-related operations.
Despite these challenges, UNIFIL stressed that it continues to facilitate the arrival of humanitarian aid, stressing that peacekeepers remain in their positions and are committed to supporting stability in southern Lebanon.
UNIFIL’s positions gain special importance in light of the sensitive stage that the south is going through, as its field mission intersects with the continuing security tensions and the need to monitor and document violations, in parallel with keeping pace with humanitarian efforts in the affected villages and areas.
UNIFIL’s mission is based on Resolution 1701, which constitutes the basic international framework for its work in southern Lebanon, particularly with regard to monitoring the cessation of hostilities, supporting the Lebanese Army, and helping to maintain stability within its area of operations. However, field restrictions resulting from destruction and road obstacles make its work more complicated, especially when it directly affects the movement of patrols and their ability to reach some points.
UNIFIL’s assertion that its members will remain in their positions also reflects a clear message that its role still exists, whether in monitoring the security situation or facilitating humanitarian aid, at a time when the south needs a field presence to mitigate the repercussions of escalation and help establish a minimum level of stability.
