Explainer: How UN peacekeepers face the challenge of escalating conflict in Lebanon
Here’s what you need to know about UNITUnited Nations Interim Force in Lebanon:
duties of the Security Council
UNIFIL was created by Security Council in March 1978 following the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. Its mission is to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon, restore international peace and security, and assist the Lebanese Government in restoring its effective authority in the region.
UNIFIL convoy passes near the Blue Line in southern Lebanon.
It was not until 2000 that Israel withdrew from Lebanon. In the absence of an agreed border, the United Nations has identified a 120km line of retreat known as the Blue Line, which UNIFIL monitors and patrols.
After the deadly 30-day conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006, the Council strengthened its mandate with an updated resolution. Resolution 1701 expanded the original mandate to include overseeing the cessation of hostilities.
It also requested UNIFIL peacekeepers to accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deployed across southern Lebanon.
Read UN News explainer about Resolution 1701.
What did UNIFIL say after Israel’s attack on Lebanon?
UNIT warning on October 6 2024 that they were “deeply concerned about recent IDF activities in the immediate vicinity of the Mission’s location,” in the Western Region, within Lebanese territory.
The UN delegation continued to observe intense gun battles.
“Air strikes as well as ground attacks by the IDF targeted many areas on the Green Line,” UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said. northern Israel itself.”
UNIFIL added that “this is an extremely dangerous development. It is unacceptable to compromise the safety of United Nations peacekeeping forces carrying out missions authorized by the Security Council.”
What do peacekeepers do?
UNIFIL peacekeepers play an important role in helping to avoid unintended escalations and misunderstandings between Israel and Lebanon through the mission’s liaison mechanism.
They patrol south Lebanon to objectively monitor what is happening on the ground and report violations of Resolution 1701.
The peacekeepers also support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) through training, to help strengthen the deployment of the LAF in southern Lebanon so that they can eventually take over the security tasks that the force Peacekeeping is currently underway.
Peacekeepers remain in place and continue to carry out assigned tasks, although patrols and logistics are more challenging due to the current security situation.
They may have to return to their base or even to a shelter if there is an imminent threat to their safety.
UNIFIL also has a Maritime Task Force, the first force of the United Nations peacekeeping mission, which supports the Lebanese navy in monitoring Lebanon’s territorial waters and preventing incursions into the area of military operations. illegal gas and related equipment.
The delegation said that “the deployment of the MTF was a landmark move that led Israel to lift its naval blockade of Lebanon” in 2006.
UNIFIL also facilitates access for humanitarian organizations to assist local populations and protect civilians when the Lebanese Government is unable to do so.
Peacekeepers also support local communities through projects and donations in healthcare, education, infrastructure, etc.
UNIFIL by number
Nearly 11,000 people are currently working at the mission, including about 10,000 military personnel, as well as about 550 local civilians and 250 international civilians.
About 50 different countries contribute troops to this mission. Currently, Indonesia is the largest contributor with more than 1,200 uniformed personnel.
MTF currently consists of five ships; There are also six helicopters supporting UNIFIL’s work.
UNIFIL’s annual budget is about half a billion dollars.
