Earlier this week, UNIFIL facilitated the return of eight Lebanese civilians detained by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) following coordination with IDF and relevant Lebanese authorities. 

On 22 December, following IDF’s request to facilitate the return of seven Lebanese civilians in their custody, UNIFIL worked with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) as well as the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to ensure the safe return of the individuals. 

Later in the day, the IDF handed over the affected individuals to UNIFIL in the mission’s position on the Blue Line in Ras Naqoura. Working in coordination with the LAF, LRC and ICRC, they were subsequently transferred to the Lebanese Italian Hospital in Tyre. 

One the same day, UNIFIL handed over another Lebanese civilian, whom the IDF had transferred to a UN position in Houla the previous day, to the Lebanese authorities in Tibnin. 

Throughout the handover processes, UNIFIL’s Liaison Branch as well as other relevant units (Italian and Nepalese contingents) worked closely with the parties. 

Since the cessation of hostilities agreement of 27 November, UNIFIL has been working with the parties to support its success, while strongly urging accelerated progress in the IDF’s withdrawal from and the LAF’s deployment in south Lebanon.