UNIFIL’s Media Office Deputy Director Candice Ardell stated Friday that “the attack on the peacekeepers is a violation of international law, Resolution 1701 and Lebanese law,” referring to the incidents that occurred earlier this week in the towns of Taybeh and Kfar Kila.
She emphasized the need to “grant UNIFIL freedom of movement to enable it to perform its tasks,” expressing her concern about developments in the South, as any incident could lead to an unprecedented escalation.
Ardell pointed out, “We are cooperating and coordinating with the Lebanese authorities continuously regarding the two incidents this week, and the matter is very serious for us. Peacekeepers are here in southern Lebanon to ensure stability and peace in the region, and we take any attack on them seriously as it is a violation of international law, Resolution 1701 and Lebanese law.”
“We have asked the Lebanese authorities to investigate the matter to prevent its recurrence because women and men are here in southern Lebanon to support the people and ensure that we return to the situation we were in before,” she added.
Regarding the issue of freedom of movement for international forces, Ardell considered that “it is essential that we enjoy freedom of movement; otherwise, we will be unable to implement Resolution 1701, which aims to return Lebanon to a state of stability and security.”
