The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has reaffirmed its commitment to remain stationed in southern Lebanon, despite recent Israeli attacks and orders from the Israeli military to withdraw.
The announcement was made on Thursday by UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti, following a series of assaults on the peacekeeping force over the past few days.
According to Tenenti, Israeli attacks on Wednesday and Thursday resulted in injuries to two UNIFIL personnel and disrupted some of the force’s monitoring capabilities.
These incidents, occurring amidst ongoing exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and the Lebanese Hezbollah group, mark a significant escalation in tensions in the region.
UNIFIL has operated in southern Lebanon since 1978, initially established to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and restore peace and security in the area.
Following the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, UNIFIL’s mandate was expanded under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
This resolution tasked the force with monitoring the cessation of hostilities, supporting the Lebanese government in establishing its authority, and ensuring that southern Lebanon was free of any armed groups other than the Lebanese state.
Despite repeated clashes and challenges to its mandate, UNIFIL plays a critical role in maintaining stability along the Blue Line, the de facto border between Israel and Lebanon.
The recent violence adds to an already complex and volatile situation, with Hezbollah’s increasing military activities and Israeli retaliatory strikes raising concerns about a broader conflict.
The peacekeeping force’s presence has long been seen as essential to mitigating further escalation between the two sides.
UNIFIL’s mandate is renewed annually, and its forces include troops from a wide range of countries. The recent attacks highlight the significant risks UNIFIL personnel face as they work to maintain peace in one of the most fragile and contested regions in the Middle East.
