UN peacekeeping operations head Jean-Pierre Lacroix reaffirmed that UNIFIL peacekeepers would “remain in place” in Lebanon, warning that withdrawing from their positions could lead to them being occupied by the Israeli Army or Hezbollah.
He made these remarks in an interview with the UN news service, according to a statement issued on Saturday.
Lacroix admitted that intensified clashes between the Israeli Army and Hezbollah have complicated UNIFIL’s operations in recent weeks.
He stressed that the decision to stay in place was made “after careful consideration,” underscoring the mission’s belief that abandoning these positions would harm perceptions of the UN’s neutrality and impartiality.
He further noted that despite Israel’s request for UNIFIL to withdraw five kilometers from the Blue Line for safety reasons, UNIFIL deemed it “crucial” to remain.
Eight peacekeepers have been wounded since the start of the Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon, though Lacroix confirmed that all are in stable condition. Multiple UNIFIL installations have also been damaged due to the war.
With approximately 10,000 peacekeepers, UNIFIL has operated in southern Lebanon since 1978 to monitor the Blue Line, the demarcation line set by the UN between Lebanon and Israel.
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