The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (FINAL) suspended its activity in southern Lebanon due to the increased intensity of fighting in the middle of a intense Israeli bombing campaign and speculation about ground intervention.
“THE ‘blue helmetsUNIFIL remains in position in the mission’s area of responsibility, even if the intensity of the fighting hampers their movement and their ability to carry out their tasks,” explained Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General. António Guterres, during a press conference in New York.
Dujarric reiterated Guterres’ call for “de-escalation, cessation of hostilities and comprehensive application of resolution 1701 of the UN Security Council” by which the latest version of UNIFIL was created.
“The Secretary General and his team are in contact with our representatives in the country, who continue to work with all actors and all parties to request space for diplomatic channels,” explained Dujarric.
UNIFIL is made up of approximately 10,500 soldiers, some of whom 650 are Spanish. The area has been the scene of a daily exchange of projectiles between Israel and the Shiite militia party Hezbollah since attacks by Palestinian militias from Gaza on October 7.
Israel has increased its attacks in recent weeks attack Hezbollah targets to the east, south and in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, where the group’s secretary general, Hasan Nasrallah, died on Friday.
