The United Nations Interim Forces in South Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed deep concern on Sunday at the sharp increase in escalation on both sides of the Blue Line between Israel and Hezbollah.
In an interview with the Voice of All Lebanon, Candice Ardell, deputy director of the UNIFIL press office, said that the exchange of fire since October 8 had increased sharply of late, with strikes reaching deeper areas on both sides of the border.
The UNIFIL representative added that the peacekeeping forces are continuing to carry out their mission by patrolling and in collaboration with the Lebanese army. “We are in contact with the parties concerned to ease tensions and avoid misunderstandings,” Ardell said.
She gave an overview of UNIFIL’s missions, explaining that it has a coordination mechanism supporting civilians and activities in areas close to the Blue Line.
Ardell gave as an example the assistance offered by UNIFIL to farmers to approach the line and harvest their crops. “We also provide medical assistance and some of our units have provided support to schools, hospitals and civil organizations,” she added.
Ardell also commented on the attack on peacekeepers in Rmeish, pointing out that although the incident was serious, it was members of UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organization) who were injured, not UNIFIL.
On March 30, three military observers and a Lebanese translator were injured by a mine explosion in Rmeish.
Ardell said that she could not comment on the incident as the investigation was still underway, but that the explosion did not appear to have been caused by direct fire.
