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A week ago, Lebanon was “in relatively good shape”, Jeanine Hennis‑Plasschaert, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, said in a statement. press statement.
The armed forces expanded the authority of the State, long-promised reforms were finally implemented, and preparations for legislative elections were underway. A major loan from the World Bank is set to speed up reconstruction, and improved diplomatic channels with Syria create “new areas for bilateral cooperation”.
‘Progress stopped overnight’
“Of course, things are not perfect,” he said – airstrikes, political infighting and institutional paralysis remain real obstacles. “But there has been progress. Progress that has now stalled.”
Since the escalation of violence on Monday – Lebanon was embroiled in a widening Middle East crisis on Monday after Hezbollah reportedly launched missiles at Israel – families who had recently returned home “now find themselves, once again, without a place to stay”.
Public sentiment, he added, has shifted from disbelief to anger, as evacuation orders have expanded and “direct attacks have increased.”
‘Hostility must end’
Ms. Hennis‑Plasschaert stressed: continuing military action “will not bring lasting victory to anyone” and will instead deepen instability. He urged all parties to return to the UN framework Security Council resolution 1701calling it the only internationally recognized basis for ending the cycle of violence that has plagued Lebanese and Israeli civilians since 2006.
“As bad as things are now, they will get worse,” the Special Coordinator warned. “The choice is clear: remain on the path of death and destruction, or commit to restraint, engagement and dialogue.”
UN peacekeepers injured
His warning came as the UN reported that three Ghanaian peacekeepers were serving in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFILE) was injured on Friday in his position at Al Qawzah amid heavy fire.
UN Secretary General António Guterres cursed incident and wished the peacekeepers a speedy recovery, stressing that UN personnel and installations “must be respected at all times”, according to a statement issued by its spokesperson, who also urged all parties to de-escalate and fully comply with their obligations under resolution 1701.
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For more coverage of the situation in the Middle East, click Here.
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Find out more about UNIFIL and Blue Line Here.
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Learn more about UN Security Council Resolution 1701 Here.
