The head and force commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Major General Diodato Abagnara, said Tuesday that peace in southern Lebanon remains elusive, while stressing that hope for achieving it remains.
اضافة اعلان
In remarks marking the International Day of Peace, Abagnara said lasting peace requires commitments and political solutions from the parties themselves. He noted that peacekeepers can help restore stability, prevent misunderstandings and reduce the risk of escalation, but cannot replace the political will and decisions needed to bring the conflict to a lasting end.
He said responsibility for reaching a political solution rests with the parties, stressing that UNIFIL would continue to play its role by keeping communication channels open, reducing the risk of escalation and supporting diplomatic efforts.
Abagnara added that peacekeepers continue to conduct patrols and maintain communication channels with the parties to reduce the risks of misunderstandings and escalation. They are also working with the Lebanese Armed Forces as they assume greater responsibilities in the south.
He stressed that the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 remains the objective and foundation for achieving lasting peace and stability in southern Lebanon. Continued cooperation between the Lebanese Armed Forces and peacekeepers, he said, remains essential to maintaining stability and supporting the extension of state authority in the south.
Abagnara said hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel have had a profound humanitarian and material impact on southern Lebanon, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes, many of whom remain displaced. The conflict has also disrupted livelihoods and caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, while resulting in civilian casualties and injuries.
UN peacekeepers marked the International Day of Peace with a ceremony held Monday evening at UNIFIL's headquarters in Naqoura, as communities in southern Lebanon continue to face the consequences of the conflict.
This year's observance is UNIFIL's last International Day of Peace before its mandate expires at the end of the year, following a 2025 UN Security Council decision to end the mission.
