Beirut: The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is highly concerned about reports indicating that Lebanese civilians are returning to villages where the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are still present, resulting in casualties due to Israeli fire. At the request of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), UNIFIL peacekeepers are being deployed to specific areas across the mission's operational zone to monitor the situation and help prevent further escalation. However, the responsibility for managing crowds falls outside of UNIFIL's mandate.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, UNIFIL stresses the importance of avoiding further deterioration of the situation. The organization calls on the Lebanese population to adhere to the directives of the LAF, which are designed to protect lives and prevent an escalation of violence in southern Lebanon. It is crucial for the IDF to cease firing at civilians within Lebanese territory. Additional violence could undermine the fragile security situation in the area and threaten the stability achieved by the cessation of hostilities and the formation of a Government in Lebanon.
UNIFIL underscores the critical importance of fully implementing UNSCR 1701 and the cessation of hostilities arrangements through established mechanisms. This includes the complete withdrawal of the IDF from Lebanon, the removal of any unauthorized weapons and assets south of the Litani River, the redeployment of the LAF throughout southern Lebanon, and ensuring the safe and dignified return of displaced civilians on both sides of the Blue Line.