UN upholds freedom of movement for peacekeepers in Lebanon
UN Reinforces Peacekeeper Mobility Rights in Lebanon
UN upholds freedom of movement for peacekeepers - The UN has reiterated its support for unimpeded movement of peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, emphasizing the critical role of UNIFIL in tracking recent tensions in the country's southern region following a temporary accord between the US and Iran.
Peacekeeper Operations and Observations
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric detailed UNIFIL's ongoing efforts, including monitoring 143 projectile trajectories on Thursday. Of these, 119 were linked to Israeli forces, with the remaining attributed to Hezbollah. No breaches of Lebanese airspace were reported during this period.
On Wednesday, peacekeepers recorded 364 launches, predominantly from Israel, alongside 34 by Hezbollah and 38 instances of airspace violations. The mission also noted heightened Israeli ground operations, with a convoy encountering resistance from two tanks in Tiri.
"One tank targeted a UNIFIL vehicle, while soldiers ordered the convoy to stop, forcing the patrol to retreat. An alternate path was eventually permitted to reach its destination," Dujarric stated.
Humanitarian Assistance and Funding
Humanitarian aid efforts were highlighted, with UNIFIL coordinating nine relief missions in the western sector of its mandate. Additional support came through a $12 million allocation from the Central Emergency Response Fund, aimed at aiding displaced communities.
"The funds will ensure access to healthcare, gender-based violence protection, and address rising food shortages among those affected," Dujarric explained.
Resumption of Civilian Life
OCHA reported that nearly 50,000 individuals have returned to Nabatieh and southern governorates since the regional ceasefire was announced. However, over 106,000 remain in collective shelters, while others seek alternative accommodations.
Humanitarian partners warn that persistent insecurity, infrastructure damage, and restricted access to essential services continue to hinder full displacement recovery in Lebanon.