UN upholds freedom of movement for peacekeepers in Lebanon

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric updated journalists on the activities of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and ongoing humanitarian support to people displaced by hostilities between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants. 

He said UNIFIL peacekeepers reported observing 143 trajectories of projectiles on Thursday, with 119 attributed to Israel and the remainder to Hezbollah, and no violations of Lebanese airspace. 

On Wednesday, they observed 364 projectile launches, with 330 attributed to Israel and 34 to Hezbollah, as well as 38 airspace violations.  

UNIFIL convoy obstructed 

Peacekeepers also continue to observe extensive Israeli ground activities throughout the mission’s area of operations, he said, noting that a UNIFIL convoy was obstructed by two Israeli tanks in Tiri on Wednesday. 

One of the tanks aimed its weapon at a UNIFIL vehicle, while soldiers signalled the convoy to halt, forcing the patrol to stop and reverse. The convoy was later allowed to take an alternate route to its intended destination. 

“We reiterate once again that UNIFIL peacekeepers must have unrestricted freedom of movement throughout their area of operations, as they are doing their work on behalf of the Security Council,” he said. 

Underlining UN commitment 

Meanwhile, the UN Deputy Special Coordinator and top humanitarian official in Lebanon, Imran Riza, together with UNIFIL head Major General Diodato Abagnara, held talks with President Joseph Aoun and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri in Beirut on Wednesday. 

“General Abagnara stressed that UNIFIL remains committed to supporting, in close coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces, the full implementation of resolution 1701, which continues to be the framework for restoring stability and security in south Lebanon,” the Spokesperson said. 

Read more about Resolution 1701 (2006) in our explainer. 

Humanitarian update 

Turning to humanitarian developments, Mr. Dujarric said UNIFIL facilitated nine humanitarian missions on Wednesday in the western sector of its area of operations. 

The UN humanitarian affairs chief Tom Fletcher has also announced an additional $12 million allocation from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to help hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the conflict.  

“The funding will help people access healthcare and protection from gender-based violence, among other critical services,” said Mr. Dujarric. 

“It will also help address the growing food insecurity that we are seeing among some of the displaced population in Lebanon.” 

Difficult return home 

Nearly 50,000 people have returned to their homes in Nabatieh and South Governorates since the announcement of the regional ceasefire, according to the UN humanitarian agency OCHA.   

Yet, more than 106,000 remain in collective sites across the country, and many others are seeking shelter elsewhere.  

Moreover, OCHA said partners warn that continued insecurity, widespread destruction and limited access to basic services are continuing to prevent many people from returning home.