Beirut: As UNIFIL today completed 47 years of its establishment, its head and Force Commander, Lieutenant General Aroldo L¡zaro, called for looking forward with hope following the recent devastating conflict. Lt. Gen. L¡zaro said the peacekeeping mission remains committed to easing tensions and fostering dialogue towards a permanent ceasefire.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the UNIFIL head was addressing a gathering of local Lebanese leaders, senior Lebanese Army officers, and fellow UN personnel and peacekeepers to mark the day. This ceremony was held for the first time in two years, as it didn't take place last year due to ongoing exchanges of fire across the Blue Line.
Lt. Gen. L¡zaro expressed solidarity with those affected by the conflict, stating, 'Our hearts are with those, here among you, who have lost loved ones and homes.' He emphasized that following the cessation of hostilities understanding reached last November, UNIFIL is entering a new chapter, working alongside the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to clear roads, make repairs, and remove explosives.
He highlighted that UNIFIL's ability to support LAF effectively depends on the backing of the Lebanese government and local authorities. Their cooperation is essential to ensure the mission can operate safely and efficiently in carrying out its mandate. He stressed that the LAF should remain the only security provider in the south.
Lt. Gen. L¡zaro also discussed the importance of successfully implementing resolution 1701, which calls for Lebanon and Israel to work towards a permanent ceasefire and forms the basis of UNIFIL's current mandate. He noted that achieving this goal requires joint efforts to prevent escalations, maintain stability, and reinforce state authority in southern Lebanon.
In his address, the UNIFIL head paid tribute to the 339 peacekeepers who have given their lives for peace in south Lebanon since 1978. UNIFIL was established by the UN Security Council on 19 March 1978, to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security, and assist the Lebanese Government in restoring its effective authority in the area. After the 2006 war, the Council significantly enhanced UNIFIL's mandate and capacity, assigning it additional tasks in cooperation with the LAF in south Lebanon.
Since a fresh round of exchanges of fire started in October 2023 and intensified in September 2024, the situation on the ground has become more complex, requiring resilience and adaptation. However, UNIFIL's mandate to support stability and implement resolution 1701 remains unchanged.