The head of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), General Aroldo Lázaro Sáinz, has called for the prevention of further escalation between Lebanon and Israel, advocating for a political solution to the ongoing tensions.
In a statement highlighted by the United Nations Media Center, General Lázaro emphasized the recent events along the Lebanon-Israel front could jeopardize a political resolution, urging all parties to avoid further escalations.
According to the UNIFIL commander, there has been a worrying shift in the exchange of fire in recent days, while the UN peacekeeping mission actively works with involved parties to “ease tensions and prevent serious misunderstandings.”
He noted the current conflict has resulted in significant loss of life, substantial damage to homes and public infrastructure, and has endangered livelihoods, altering the lives of tens of thousands of civilians on both sides of the Blue Line—the withdrawal line between Lebanon and Israel.
General Lázaro stressed the importance of all concerned parties ceasing hostilities to prevent further escalation and to allow room for a political and diplomatic solution that could restore stability and ensure the safety of people in the region.
On the humanitarian front, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs highlighted the impact of the conflict on Lebanese civilians, pointing out that around 90,000 individuals have been displaced in less than five months, with dozens of civilian casualties reported north of the Blue Line due to the fighting.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric mentioned that the ongoing hostilities and related challenges are hindering the delivery of much-needed safe assistance in border villages.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently condemned the killing of two medical responders and the destruction of ambulances and vital medical infrastructure in the southern Lebanese village of Blida, emphasizing the need for an immediate cessation of attacks on healthcare facilities.
