UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Aroldo Lázaro cautioned on Wednesday that the danger of a serious escalation of the conflict along the Blue Line is “real.”
In a statement on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, Lázaro called for the cessation of hostilities and a move towards a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution to the conflict. “Ramadan should be a time of peace and reflection, but the current situation along the Blue Line has deeply affected these notions.”
“The danger of escalation is real,” he warned, adding that “there is no military solution to the current confrontation and violence; a political and diplomatic solution is the only way forward.”
The UNIFIL Head of Mission urged all “parties to embrace the spirit of unity and compassion that Eid represents, and seek the path of peace, regardless of faith or background.”
Lázaro stated that “almost 50 countries sent peacekeepers to South Lebanon out of a sense of commitment, friendship, and a belief that long-term peace is possible for the region.”
He stressed that “since October, UNIFIL has continuously called on all parties to respect their commitments under resolution 1701 and has maintained its operational activities aimed at lowering tensions and preventing escalation.”
“We will continue to be here for the people – and to stand for peace – as long as it takes,” he assured.
