Lebanon: United Nations peacekeeping forces continue progress amid escalating conflict
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Deputy Secretary-General for Peace Operationsexpressed deep alarm about the escalation in southern Lebanon and the impact on civilians, and reiterated the need for an end to hostilities and negotiations to restore calm.
“UNIT peacekeeping forces feel obliged to carry out the tasks assigned by Security Counciland they feel a responsibility to the people of southern Lebanon,” he told journalists at United Nations Headquarters in New York, referring to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
“The peacekeepers are now at their posts…The UNIFIL team remains united and committed.”
He added that the mission continues to work with partners “to do whatever they can” to protect people, provide temporary housing for people affected in recent weeks and provide support. aid in providing humanitarian aid.
Important mission
Mission is authority confirmed the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and supported the Lebanese Government to restore power in the region.
In 2006, expanded powers also to oversee the cessation of hostilities following the war between Israel and Hezbollah, which controls much of the south.
This is also the only communication channel between the Israeli and Lebanese armed forces.
As of September 2, UNIFIL The force includes 10,058 peacekeepers from 50 troop-contributing countries. There are also about 800 civilian employees at the mission.
Safety comes first
Mr. Lacroix also emphasized that the safety of UN peacekeepers “remains the top priority”.
“A number of measures have been taken in the past months, weeks and days to strengthen the protection of peacekeepers. But the safety and security of peacekeepers is a shared responsibility,” he said, emphasizing the obligation of any combatant to comply.
Responding to a question regarding the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) request to vacate certain UNIFIL positions, including those very close to the Green Line, Mr. Lacroix said that the peacekeepers “ are now in all their locations.”
“This is a decision we have made after careful consideration of all factors, including the safety and security of our peacekeepers, as well as their responsibilities,” he said. towards the mission and the people”. under constant review.
Health services are affected
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation on the ground remains volatile as civilians continue to flee areas in Lebanon as Israeli airstrikes continue to hit populated areas, including capital Beirut and its suburbs.
Hostilities have also taken a toll on the health sector, with some 28 health workers killed in the past 24 hours alone.
In southern Lebanon, 37 medical facilities were closed, while in Beirut, three hospitals were forced to evacuate all staff and patients and two others were partially evacuated, according to the Health Organization United Nations World (WHO).
Medical personnel also did not report for duty due to continuous air strikes, severely limiting the provision of mass trauma management and continuity of medical services.
“Medical and humanitarian workers, including WHO staff, have done incredible work in very difficult and dangerous conditions, with limited supplies. That’s not all Healthcare continues to come under attack,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO.
“WHO calls on all partners to facilitate flights to deliver much-needed lifesaving supplies to Lebanon,” he added.
Enhanced emergency support
UN agencies have stepped up response efforts amid the worsening crisis.
United Nations World Food Program (WFP), for example, yes increase emergency food support to reach up to one million people affected by the current crisis. It is supporting vulnerable Syrian refugees and the most at-risk Lebanese in Lebanon.
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) along with their partners have also increased their efforts to support both Syrian and Lebanese families crossing the border.
And with, Women and children have to bear the consequencesUnited Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPAhas helped establish 17 safe spaces for women and girls across Lebanon.
