UNIFIL peacekeepers have begun refurbishing Blue Line markers damaged during last year’s conflict, marking an important step toward restoring stability in south Lebanon. 

Since the refurbishment work on the ground started on 15 October in Meiss ej-Jabal, five new markers have gone up again and one more is set to be refurbished this week.

Prior to last year’s hostilities, there were 272 markers dotting the Blue Line. A UNIFIL assessment has found that 24 of them were damaged and 33 others destroyed as the conflict intensified. 

UNIFIL’s ongoing refurbishment work required intensive coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) as well as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in order to make sure the work progressed without impediments.

Over the past months, various UNIFIL teams have been actively engaged – from conducting aerial and ground reconnaissance to assess damage, to clearing areas of unexploded ordnance (UXOs) and explosive remnants of war (ERWs).

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team confirmed the precise locations for the markers, while the Liaison Branch coordinated with both parties to deconflict this important UNIFIL work. UNIFIL’s construction engineers then prepared and installed the new markers.

During one such mission on 22 October, southeast of the village of Rmeich, dozens of Chinese peacekeepers carried a new blue barrel and construction materials—including cement, sand, water, ropes, and paintboxes—along a route recently cleared of UXOs and ERWs. Ghanaian peacekeepers, responsible for the area, provided security throughout the operation.

Working in coordination with the parties, UNIFIL began visibly marking the Blue Line in 2007. The Blue Line, identified by the United Nations in 2000, represents the line of withdrawal of the IDF. These markers help prevent confusion, avoid inadvertent crossings, and maintain peace. They remain one of the most significant confidence-building measures.