UN peacekeepers patrol the town of Deir Kifah in southern Lebanon. Lebanon: threat of new spiral of violence and injury to UN peacekeepers Peace and security
The UN expresses serious concern about the sharp deterioration of the situation in Lebanon after the resumption of hostilities and calls on the parties to immediately de-escalate and comply with Security Council Resolution 1701.
UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said that just a week ago the country was showing signs of gradual progress. The Lebanese army was strengthening state control, preparations were underway for parliamentary elections, reforms were being discussed, and a World Bank loan was expected to support reconstruction.
“This progress has now stopped abruptly,” she noted.
According to a UN spokeswoman, on Monday morning the country was once again embroiled in a wave of violence and instability. People who only recently returned to their homes are again left homeless, and tensions continue to rise.
“The question is very clear: continue on the path of destruction and loss of life or choose restraint, engagement and dialogue,” Hennis-Plasschaert said.
She said Security Council Resolution 1701 remains an internationally accepted framework for ending cycles of violence between Lebanon and Israel, but it has never been fully implemented.
Attack on UN peacekeepers
Amid rising tensions, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the shelling of the UN Interim Force position in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the south-west of the country, which occurred on March 6, as a result of which three peacekeepers from Ghana were wounded.
The Secretary General wished the victims a speedy and full recovery.
The statement emphasizes that the safety of UN personnel and property must be respected under all circumstances, and those responsible for such incidents must be held accountable.
The UN once again called on all parties to immediately de-escalate and fully implement obligations in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1701.