The UN observer mission in Lebanon says it has been informed by Israel about a “limited ground deployment” by the army. Any crossing of the border is a violation “of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” criticized Unifil. “We urge all actors to refrain from such escalating steps.”
The armed blue helmet soldiers are deployed at the border for stabilization and de-escalation. Their mission is to monitor compliance with the ceasefire between the two countries.
Unifil said escalating steps would only lead to more violence and more bloodshed. The price for “continuing the current course” is too high. Civilians must be protected, civilian infrastructure must not be attacked and international law must be respected.
Unfil, whose mission has been running since 1978, called on all parties to abide by UN Resolution 1701. The resolution provides for the sole authority of the Lebanese army and Unifil troops in Lebanon south of the Litani River, the border area with Israel. The resolution prohibits the presence of the Lebanese Hezbollah militia in the area. The Israeli military must therefore withdraw behind the Blue Line – the Lebanese-Israeli border.
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