Lebanon: Risk to civilians increases as military activity continues, UN says

Following reports of Hezbollah drone attacks and Israeli counterattacks on Wednesday and Thursday, UNIFILE urges us to exercise restraint and renew political engagement to avoid further escalation of hostilities.

said UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel UN News that although the latest attacks occurred outside UNIFIL’s area of ​​operations, the impact of the conflict continues to be felt throughout southern Lebanon and along the “Blue Line”.

Find out more about the Blue Line in our explainer Here.

UNIFIL urges all parties to comply Security Council Resolution 1701 – the 2006 agreement aimed to end hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah – and use existing mechanisms to defuse tensions.

“It is in no one’s interest to continue the military route,” said Mrs. Ardiel. “The only solution to overcome this is through political and diplomatic channels.”

Although violence has decreased compared to previous months, UNIFIL has observed an increase in military activity within its area of ​​operations, including logistics movements, demolitions and projectile launches.

The mission continues to closely monitor developments and report violations and warn against them renewed military activity risks undermining the fragile stability achieved in recent months.

The scale of damage took a toll on civilians

UNIFIL remains concerned by the scale of destruction occurring in southern Lebanon. According to the mission, several villages and neighborhoods suffered severe damage, affecting homes, roads and civil infrastructure.

This damage also limits the movement of residentsmany of them face difficulties in traveling between villages and accessing essential services. Humanitarian organizations and peacekeeping forces also face similar logistical challenges when carrying out their duties.

To help reduce risks on the ground, UNIFIL continues to coordinate with the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israeli Defense Forces, facilitate movement and help prevent incidents through deconfliction mechanisms.

Peacekeepers regularly accompany certain movements to support safety and ensure humanitarian access where possible.

Although peacekeepers continued to carry out their mandate, they sometimes experienced delays at Israeli military checkpoints along the coastal road connecting UNIFIL’s Naqoura base with Beirut.

“Peacekeepers have freedom of movement, and any interference with that freedom of movement is of concern to us,” said Mrs. Ardiel.

Political solutions remain important

With UNIFIL’s mandate expiring at the end of this year, the UN remains concerned about the potential impact of the security vacuum created by UNIFIL’s exit.

In the a letter published in JuneUN Secretary General Antonio Guterres outlined options for implementation resolution 1701 without the presence of UNIFIL, all of which involves a continued UN presence – albeit in smaller numbers – on the ground to monitor the Blue Line, coupled with the strengthening of the UN political office (UNSCOL) to promote peace and coordinate UN efforts.

UNIFIL continues to emphasize that a long-term solution cannot be achieved through military means alone. The mission urges both sides to return to dialogue and implement measures that can restore security and stability to communities on both sides of the Blue Line.

Aid efforts have been hampered

In the humanitarian sector, UNIFIL, coordinates with Ochafacilitating humanitarian missions to reach those in need.

Since the Hezbollah-Israel conflict erupted in March, 900,000 people have received at least one round of emergency cash assistanceaccording to UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.

At the same time, humanitarian needs remain enormous, but available funding is insufficient to meet them, he said, noting that a six-month emergency aid appeal requiring nearly $640 million to support people affected by the escalation in fighting will expire in just four days and only half the funds remain.

“We call for full respect for international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians, the protection of civilian infrastructure, the protection of humanitarian and aid workers and our peacekeepers, while emphasizing that continued humanitarian support is essential to meet the needs of communities affected by ongoing hostilities,” he said.