High-ranking UN officials in Lebanon have expressed deep concern over the recent surge in violence in the region and have renewed their call for respect for the existing ceasefire. This statement comes following the tragic loss of 15 lives, including that of a Lebanese soldier, at the hands of Israeli forces in the security zone separating Lebanon from Israel. According to the agreement reached between Israel and the armed group Hezbollah, Israeli forces were supposed to have withdrawn from this area last Sunday, a commitment that, according to the UN, has not been fulfilled.
Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, along with Aroldo Lázaro, the commander of the UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL), pointed out that current conditions do not allow for the safe return of citizens to their homes along the Blue Line, the border between the two countries. Israel has advised Lebanese civilians not to return to their towns in the southeast of the country, arguing that Lebanon has not respected the ceasefire.
The UN has underscored the dire situation facing displaced communities, who are dealing with significant challenges in their recovery and reconstruction process, amid daily violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution, adopted in 2006, aims to establish a demilitarized zone and requires the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
UN officials emphasized the urgent need for a new commitment between the parties involved, highlighting that the implementation of the agreement reached in November and full compliance with Resolution 1701 are essential to closing the recent chapter of conflict and moving towards a future of peace and stability.
Since the ceasefire was implemented, violence in Lebanon has significantly decreased, allowing hundreds of thousands of people to return to their homes in the south of the country. The Lebanese Armed Forces have begun to deploy in areas where Israeli forces are withdrawing, with the support of UNIFIL, which is working to restore essential services and facilitate humanitarian assistance.
However, the UN mission remains concerned about reports indicating the return of civilians to areas where Israeli troops are still present. At the same time, the UN has stressed the importance of complying with Resolution 1701 to prevent further deterioration of the situation and preserve opportunities for stability in the region. The mission has called on authorities and the civilian population to adhere to the guidelines of the Lebanese Army, with the intention of protecting lives and preventing escalations of violence, particularly urging the Israeli Army to cease fire against civilians on Lebanese territory.
via: MiMub in Spanish
