The United States has presented a proposed roadmap for disarming Hezbollah, as tensions continue to rise along Lebanon’s southern border with Israel.
During a United Nations Security Council meeting held on Thursday, global representatives called for an immediate ceasefire along the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel.
The session, convened by France, aimed to address the growing concerns over escalating hostilities and to push for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which has governed the cessation of hostilities in the region since 2006.
The US delegate outlined the key steps in the proposed roadmap, which calls for Hezbollah’s withdrawal from the area of operations of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the disarmament of the group in accordance with Resolution 1559.
This would also involve efforts to prevent Iran from rearming Hezbollah and to ensure the Lebanese state asserts its authority over all national territory.
At the meeting, Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, expressed concern over the escalating situation in Lebanon.
She highlighted the increased exchange of fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, with Hezbollah launching missiles, rockets, and drones toward Israeli cities such as Haifa and Tel Aviv.
In response, Israel has expanded its military strikes across Lebanon, including in the capital, Beirut.
The Security Council was informed of the severe human and material losses resulting from these clashes, as well as the immense humanitarian impact.
In light of the ongoing violence, international representatives urged nations to respond to the emergency appeal issued last week, which seeks to raise $425 million to provide aid for one million people over the next three months.
