UNIFIL Peacekeepers Continue Operations in South Lebanon Amid Escalating Tensions

Peacekeeping forces serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) remain deployed in southern Lebanon despite difficult security conditions and ongoing military escalation in the region, a mission spokesperson said.

Dani Al-Ghafri, spokesperson for UNIFIL, said the UN mission continues to operate in southern Lebanon and has not withdrawn its peacekeepers from their positions despite the challenges created by continuous shelling and rising hostilities along the border.

In a televised interview, Al-Ghafri said UN peacekeepers are currently working in an “extremely complex security environment,” adding that the mission has adapted to the evolving situation by adjusting certain logistical and operational procedures to match developments on the ground. He noted that the mission continues to carry out activities where conditions allow.

The UNIFIL spokesperson said the mission has recently shifted a significant portion of its efforts toward humanitarian tasks. These include supporting relief operations led by the International Committee of the Red Cross, assisting with the evacuation of civilians in affected areas, and working to provide protection for local populations as much as possible.

He added that UN peacekeepers maintain constant communication with local communities across southern Lebanon to assess their needs and facilitate humanitarian assistance.

Al-Ghafri also said UNIFIL personnel have observed the entry of troops from the Israel Defense Forces into Lebanese territory since Tuesday, amid rapidly developing military activity along the border. The mission, he said, is closely monitoring the situation and continues to coordinate with relevant parties in an effort to preserve stability in the area.