Beirut: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that the ongoing presence of Israeli forces in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) area operations as well as their military activities in Lebanese territory are violations of Resolution 1701 and represent a continuous threat that must end.

According to Qatar News Agency, in a statement directed to UNIFIL, shared by the UNIFIL Media Office, Guterres stated that UNIFIL are not only positioned along the Blue Line in Lebanon, but are also on the front lines for peace. He highlighted that UNIFIL operates in one of the most challenging environments for peacekeepers globally.

He continued that they have proven the critical role of the 'blue helmets' in preventing violence, fostering de-escalation, providing humanitarian access, and protecting civilians, commending their vital efforts in restoring stability in southern Lebanon and along the Blue Line.

Guterres explained that the decision to maintain UNIFIL's presence in southern Lebanon was made after thorough deliberation, underlining the importance of respecting the sanctity of United Nations facilities at all times.

He strongly condemned any attacks on UN peacekeepers, calling them unacceptable and a breach of international and humanitarian law, potentially amounting to war crimes.

The UN Secretary-General also noted the ongoing collaboration with troop-contributing countries to bolster UNIFIL's capabilities, including demining operations and the disposal of unexploded ordnance, to ensure the continuation of patrols and monitoring missions.

Furthermore, Guterres pointed out that the Lebanese Armed Forces, as Lebanon's sole guarantor of security, have increased their presence in southern Lebanon, supported by UNIFIL and the newly established ceasefire mechanism. He stressed that coordination between UNIFIL and Lebanese army is crucial for maintaining a permanent ceasefire and fulfilling the goals of Resolution 1701.