As UNIFIL marks a somber Establishment Day today, without the usual ceremony in Naqoura due to ongoing hostilities, its peacekeepers are on task and supporting efforts geared toward security and stability and peace on both sides of the Blue Line, despite a “worrying number” of violations of Security Council Resolution 1701.
“Our peacekeepers are on the ground and we continue to impartially report these to the Security Council,” said Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Diodato Abagnara. “Throughout this difficult period, we have been supporting civilians, including by facilitating the movements of UN and other international agencies bringing critical aid to the south.”
The UNIFIL head also highlighted the mission’s important role of liaising between the Lebanese and Israeli armies.
“We continually urge de-escalation, and to avoid misunderstanding and unintended escalation that could further cause the situation to spiral out of control,” said Major General Abagnara.
The UN Security Council established UN Interim Force in Lebanon in 1978, with the word “interim” reflecting an optimism that a lasting solution would soon be within reach. Nearly five decades later, peacekeepers are still here, and with sharp escalation in recent days, the conflict between Israel and Lebanon is as complex as ever.
This is UNIFIL’s last Establishment Day as the Security Council has decided to end the mission on 31 December 2026.
“But Resolution 1701, and the United Nations’ commitment to the people living on both sides of the Blue Line, will continue,” said the UNIFIL head.
“Until then (31 December 2026), we will continue to do what we can under the very challenging circumstances. However we can, we will support efforts to guide Lebanon and Israel back toward security, back toward stability and one day, we all hope, toward peace.”
