The head of the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro, emphasized that there is no military solution to the current confrontation and violence in the region. He stressed the importance of pursuing a political and diplomatic solution as the only viable way forward.
As the end of Ramadan approaches and Eid El Fitr is celebrated, UNIFIL is urging all parties involved to return to a cessation of hostilities and work towards a permanent ceasefire. The goal is to achieve a long-term solution to the conflict that has been escalating between Israel and Iran.
Tensions have been mounting as the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group continues to launch rockets across the Israel-Lebanon border. Israel has been making preparations for a potential conflict with Hezbollah, evacuating over 40 communities in its northern region.
Skirmishes between the two sides have been occurring within a few kilometers of the border, with Israel recently striking as deep as 100 kilometers into Lebanon. In a recent incident, four UN peacekeepers were injured by a blast while on patrol near the border with Israel.
UNIFIL has been actively calling on all parties to uphold their commitments under UN Security Council resolution 1701, which was passed in 2006. The resolution calls for a full cessation of hostilities, the deployment of Lebanese forces to Southern Lebanon, the withdrawal of Israeli forces behind the Blue Line, and the establishment of a demilitarized zone between the Blue Line and the Litani River.
Efforts are ongoing to de-escalate tensions, prevent further conflict, and promote a peaceful resolution to the situation in Lebanon. Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro reiterated the importance of adhering to the provisions of resolution 1701 and working towards a sustainable peace in the region.
