Geneva [Switzerland], November 15: Members of the UN Security Council today condemned the recent attacks and multiple incidents of violence that have impacted the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) positions in southern Lebanon, resulting in injuries to several peacekeepers over the past few weeks.
In a press statement, the Security Council members highlighted violent incidents that occurred on 29th October and 7th and 8th November, urging all involved parties to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and facilities, stressing that peacekeepers must not be targeted.
The members reaffirmed their full support for UNIFIL and its role in bolstering regional stability, expressing deep appreciation for the countries contributing troops to the peacekeeping mission.
The Council also expressed grave concern over civilian casualties, their suffering, the deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the damage to cultural heritage sites in Lebanon, including threats to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Baalbek and Tyre. They called for adherence to international humanitarian law and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, visited UNIFIL operational sites in southern Lebanon today, engaging with several peacekeepers who were injured during direct attacks or crossfire between the Israeli army and Hezbollah forces.
According to a UN statement, during his visit to Lebanon, Lacroix met with UNIFIL staff in Naqoura and senior mission leadership, expressing gratitude to both military and civilian personnel for their dedication to their critical mission amidst exceptional challenges.
In his remarks, Lacroix emphasised that peacekeepers in southern Lebanon continue to perform their mandated duties professionally, neutrally, and impartially despite extremely challenging conditions. He noted that two UNIFIL personnel were injured when a tower at one of the mission's operational sites was struck.
Lacroix also highlighted the peacekeepers' role in providing support to the local civilian population, including efforts to supply food, support medical evacuations, and deliver humanitarian assistance despite significant obstacles.
The statement underscored the importance of UNIFIL's daily liaison activities, including coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israeli army, which enable its operations, particularly those aimed at supporting local communities and ensuring the delivery of supplies to UNIFIL sites.
Lacroix's three-day visit to Lebanon included a meeting yesterday with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, alongside UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jan Kubis and UNIFIL Force Commander. The discussions reaffirmed the critical role of the UNIFIL mission and the importance of fully implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which pertains to the cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel.
Source: Emirates News Agency