In a recent joint statement, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and UNIFIL Force Commander Aroldo Lázaro expressed deep concern over the failure to meet the timelines outlined in the November ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. This agreement was established following over a year of intense conflict, primarily triggered by the Israeli military operations in Gaza.
Ceasefire Agreement Not Fully Implemented
The UN officials noted that conditions remain unsafe for the return of displaced citizens to their homes along the Blue Line, the demarcation line between Israel and Lebanon. They referred to a tragic incident that occurred recently, underscoring the precarious situation for civilians in the region.
Israel has issued warnings to Lebanese civilians against returning to their homes in southern Lebanon, citing alleged violations of the ceasefire terms as the reason for its continued military presence in the area.
Urgent Call to Prevent Further Violence
The UN peacekeeping mission has called for an immediate cessation of fire directed at civilians within Lebanese territory by the IDF. They warned that any further violence could jeopardize the fragile security situation and the prospects for stability that have emerged from the recent cessation of hostilities and the formation of a new government in Lebanon.
“The IDF must avoid firing at civilians within Lebanese territory. Further violence risks undermining the fragile security situation in the area and prospects for stability ushered in by the cessation of hostilities and the formation of a Government in Lebanon,” UNIFIL said.
The UN officials reiterated the critical importance of fully implementing Resolution 1701 and adhering to the cessation of hostilities arrangements. This includes the complete withdrawal of the IDF from Lebanon, the removal of unauthorized weapons 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.
Daily Violations of Resolution 1701
The statement highlighted that violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which was adopted in 2006 to establish a buffer zone and call for the withdrawal of Israeli forces, are being reported on a daily basis. The UN officials emphasized that displaced communities, already facing significant challenges in recovery and reconstruction, must exercise caution as they navigate the ongoing instability.
Call for Compliance and Recommitment
Hennis-Plasschaert and Lázaro stressed that compliance with the November ceasefire agreement and the full implementation of Resolution 1701 are essential for bringing closure to the recent conflict and fostering a new era of security and stability for both Lebanon and Israel. They urged all parties involved to recommit to their obligations, emphasizing the high stakes for both nations.
Positive Developments Amidst Challenges
Despite the ongoing tensions, the UN officials noted that the situation in Lebanon has seen some positive changes since the Cessation of Hostilities Understanding took effect on November 27, 2024. Violence has significantly decreased, allowing hundreds of thousands of people to return to their towns and villages in southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have demonstrated a commitment to securing areas from which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are withdrawing. With the support of UNIFIL, the LAF is working to restore essential services and facilitate humanitarian access to communities most affected by the conflict.
Government Formation Process Critical for Stability
The ongoing process of government formation in Lebanon, following the election of a president and the designation of a prime minister, is seen as a crucial step in rebuilding trust between Lebanese citizens and the state. The UN officials believe these developments bode well for extending state authority across all Lebanese territory and for the country’s recovery and growth.
UNIFIL’s Role and Concerns
UNIFIL remains vigilant regarding reports of Lebanese civilians returning to areas where IDF forces are still present, which has resulted in casualties due to Israeli fire. In response to requests from the LAF, UNIFIL peacekeepers are being deployed to monitor the situation and help prevent further escalation of violence.
However, UNIFIL has clarified that managing crowds is beyond its mandate, which focuses on supporting the implementation of Resolution 1701.
Conclusion
As the situation in Lebanon remains tense, the UN continues to engage with all parties to promote compliance with the ceasefire agreement and foster a climate of security and stability in the region. The call for recommitment from all sides is more urgent than ever, as the stakes for both Lebanon and Israel remain high.
