António Guterres expresses concern as cross-border attacks between Israel and Lebanon intensify.
The short-term risk of a wider war in the Middle East”has somewhat subsided“after Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah exchanged fire without any further escalation, but Iran still represents”a significant danger“as he considers striking Israel,” said General CQ Brown, chief of staff of the United States Air Force.
Israeli officials and media reacted with satisfaction Monday after a long-anticipated missile attack by the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement was widely reported. thwarted by preemptive Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.
It was one of the most significant clashes in more than a decade, since Hezbollah began attacking northern Israel following Hamas attacks on October 7, but it also ended with limited damage in Israel and without immediate threat of further reprisals on both sides.
Earlier, the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres called for an end to cross-border attacks along the Blue Lineaccording to his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
The Blue Line is an unofficial demarcation between Israel and Lebanon. Established by the United Nations in 2000, it represents a “withdrawal line” more than a real border.
Stéphane Dujarric added that António Guterres was calling for an immediate de-escalation because the attacks “endanger the Lebanese and Israeli populations and threaten regional security and stability”.
More than 600 UNIFIL peacekeepers at the heart of the conflict
During this time, More than 600 UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) peacekeepers continue their mission at the Spanish Miguel de Cervantes base in Marjayounin southern Lebanon.
Peacekeepers are civilian men and women, military personnel and police officers who participate in UN peacekeeping missions.
“While UNIFIL continues its mandated activities in these difficult circumstances, the Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and the Head of the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro, are continuing their contacts with the parties in order to de-escalate the situation.”says Stéphane Dujarric.
Corporal Daniel Ramirez explains how he and his colleagues experience the regular clashes between Hezbollah and Israel: “You get used to it. We come for a mission, that’s what we do and that’s it.”.
Following an incident earlier this month in which three peacekeepers were injured, UNIFIL reminds all parties of their responsibility not to target peacekeepers.
A significant risk for civilians in the region
The UN continues to step up its relief efforts, but Stephane Dujarric admits that Humanitarian responses are hampered by funding constraints and require additional resources.
“Some of these villages are completely empty. No one lives there because of the risks and constant attacks they suffer.”says Spanish Lieutenant Colonel Jose Irisarri.
“Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that the recent resumption of hostilities has not had a significant humanitarian impact. However, the ongoing conflict continues to seriously affect civilians on both sides of the Blue Line.”says the spokesman for the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
He calls on all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, stressing that the need to protect civilians, especially children, and civilian infrastructure at all times.
António Guterres also called for a “cessation of hostilities and full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701”.
The resolution, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Lebanon, urges both countries to respect a ceasefire and a long-term peace agreement, and to maintain lasting peace in the Middle East.