UN peacekeepers maintain positions in Lebanon despite Israeli ground offensive

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has confirmed that its peacekeeping troops remain stationed across various locations in Lebanon, despite Israel’s ongoing ground offensive into Lebanese territory.

Andrea Tenenti, a spokesperson for UNIFIL, stated that the Israeli military had informed the peacekeeping mission on Sept. 30 of its plans to launch a limited ground operation in Lebanon. Israel also requested the relocation of certain UNIFIL positions.

“We have emergency plans ready to be activated if the need arises,” Tenenti said, without providing further details on specific plans or troop movements. He added that UNIFIL has been continually adjusting its positioning and operations based on the evolving situation.

Call for compliance with Resolution 1701

Tenenti emphasized that UNIFIL is actively encouraging Israel to adhere to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1701, which was unanimously adopted on Aug. 11, 2006.

The resolution calls for a full cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel and mandates the establishment of a demilitarized zone between the Blue Line, the boundary between Lebanon and Israel, and the Litani River in southern Lebanon.

This zone is intended to be free of combatants, military equipment, and weapons, with the exception of those held by the Lebanese army and UNIFIL forces.

Escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel

Since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas in October, Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in cross-border exchanges of fire.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in more than 41,800 deaths, predominantly women and children, according to reports from Gaza.

In Lebanon, at least 2,011 people have been killed, more than 9,500 have been injured, and 1.2 million people have been displaced, Lebanese authorities reported.