At the invitation of the Union of Tyre Municipalities, UNIFIL peacekeepers participated in the Tyre Craft Market Festival held in the heart of the city last week.

Peacekeepers from Ghana, Italy, Ireland, Malaysia and the Republic of Korea took active part in the festival, which featured handicraft stalls, local cuisine and music. In addition to performing, they supported local entrepreneurs by purchasing traditional foods and handmade crafts.

The event served as a significant moment of cultural exchange, promoting mutual understanding and reinforcing the bond between the United Nations mission and the people of south Lebanon.

One of the stallholders, Rana Zein from Bujr al-Shemali in Tyre, said UNIFIL’s participation in the event “meant a lot” to her. “This makes me happy that my products are spreading to foreigners,” she said. “I hope peace spreads and that UNIFIL stays with us and helps us to preserve peace.” The head of the Municipal Committee for Women and Children, Dr. Randa Abu Saleh, said, “This exhibition represents a tangible opportunity to enhance the work of women, promote their economic empowerment, and support their active role in the social and economic life of the community.”

In his address to the Festival, UNIFIL Sector West Commander Brigadier General Nicola Mandolesi said, “UNIFIL has always stood by the people of southern Lebanon in the most challenging times and will continue to do so until full normality is restored. The ongoing coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces, who are also present at the event, confirms the complementarity of our roles. Only through joint action can we ensure stability and security in southern Lebanon.”

While peacekeepers from UNIFIL’s Korean contingent gave a musical performance at the event, Italian and Malaysian peacekeepers organized educational and recreational activities for children.

British peacekeeper Lt. Col. Mike Fernando said UNIFIL’s participation in the event is about supporting local community and boosting their economy. “Some of these communities have lost their livelihood and homes during recent conflict, so we're supporting the community and it is in conjunction with Lebanese Armed Forces as well and with the consensus of the municipality,” he said.