Guterres calls for continued UN 'uniformed presence' in Lebanon after UNIFIL's departure
United Nations, June 11
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for continued United Nations "uniformed presence" following the departure of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, a process set to begin at the end of this year.
Speaking at an open debate of the UN Security Council on the situation in the Middle East on Wednesday (local time), Guterres said that the region is being pulled deeper into crisis, and the consequences reach far beyond the region.
"I am profoundly concerned it could trigger a full resumption of conflict," said the UN chief.
Warning that escalation in the Middle East reverberates across borders and continents, he said "a brutal price is being paid by the region's people" and it is extending to the wider world, particularly the most vulnerable countries and communities, reports Xinhua news agency.
Guterres noted the escalation in Lebanon since March, as Israel intensified its operations in Lebanese territory and Hezbollah fired deeper into Israel.
"We have seen the killing of civilians. Entire communities uprooted, and extensive demolition of homes and civilian infrastructure, in southern Lebanon. The forced displacement of over a million civilians," he said.
In addition, seven UN peacekeepers have been killed, including one last week, the secretary-general added.
He urged all parties to work toward a diplomatic settlement that fully respects the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political independence of Lebanon within its internationally recognised borders, in line with Security Council Resolution 1701.
"And I urge a continued United Nations uniformed presence following the departure of UNIFIL -- as proposed last week in my letter to this Council," said Guterres.
In accordance with Security Council Resolution 2790, UNIFIL shall cease its operations on December 31, and, starting on this date, complete its drawdown and withdrawal of personnel from Lebanon within one year.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Sad to see another UN mission ending without a clear resolution. The Middle East always burns while the world watches. India has strong ties with Lebanon and Israel both, so this is tricky. Hope they find a diplomatic solution before more civilians suffer. Inshallah, as they say there.
Typical UN - all talk, no action. Resolution 1701 was passed years ago and look where we are. Peacekeepers getting killed, civilians displaced, and now they're packing up. Guterres should ask why Israel keeps violating Lebanese sovereignty. India should push for accountability in the Security Council, not just more blue helmets.
As someone who follows international affairs closely, I think Guterres is doing damage control. The UNIFIL mandate was never fully implemented, and now we see the consequences. The fact that seven peacekeepers died shows this mission was doomed from the start. India should advocate for a more robust force if the UN wants a presence there.
Lebanon has suffered so much - civil war, foreign interference, and now this latest escalation. I feel for the million+ displaced people. India's own experience with peacekeeping in Kashmir and Sri Lanka shows that uniformed presence alone doesn't solve root problems. The international community needs to address why Hezbollah exists and why Israel feels threatened. Only then can there be peace. 🌍
UNIFIL was a failure from day one. They couldn't stop Hezbollah from arming or Israel from bombing. Now Guterres wants a 'uniformed presence' without a clear mandate? That's just putting more soldiers in
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