It is an obligation, rather than an option, to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers in Lebanon, said United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix on Friday.
In an interview with the UN's News and Media Division Director Ian Phillips, Lacroix said it was "high time for a cease fire in Lebanon," and peacekeepers in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are "holding the line" and "determined to continue doing what they're mandated to do" despite the request by Israeli authorities for UNIFIL peacekeepers to move five kilometers far from the Blue Line.
"It's high time for a ceasefire in Lebanon. That's quite clear. And yes, there are diplomatic efforts to that effect. UNIFIL peacekeepers are staying, they are holding the line, and they're determined to continue doing what they're mandated to do. We were told by the Israeli authorities that this request for UNIFIL peacekeepers to move five kilometers far from the Blue Line was for the purpose of protecting the safety and security of peacekeepers. But we made a very considered decision that it was critical to stay. First of all, because there is a mandate, and we have to, we are duty-bound to the mandate. The peacekeepers need to stay. Second, because we thought that if those positions along the Blue Line are abandoned, then they would likely be occupied by one party or the other," he said.
The peacekeeping chief called attacks against peacekeepers "unacceptable," which violate international law, and he urged all parties concerted to jointly protect peacekeepers.
"Attacks against peacekeepers are unacceptable, they are a violation of international law. And we have been repeatedly reminding the parties of their obligation to protect the peacekeepers, the safety and security of the peacekeepers. It's not an option. It's an obligation," he said.
UNIFIL spokesman Andrea Tenenti said on Wednesday that the force had recorded more than 30 incidents that caused UN property loss, building damage and peacekeeper injury since Oct 1.
Since Sept 23, the Israeli army has launched an unprecedented, intensive air campaign on Lebanon in a dangerous escalation with Hezbollah.
The Lebanese Health Ministry reported on Friday that the death toll from Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon since the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict began in October 2023 has reached 2,897.
UN official stresses ensuring safety of peacekeepers in Lebanon
UN official stresses ensuring safety of peacekeepers in Lebanon
