Beirut, Lebanon – The United Nations has ramped up its efforts to broker a ceasefire in Lebanon amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Since September 23, the Israeli military has been conducting intensive aerial attacks on Lebanese territory, marking a significant escalation in hostilities. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, addressed the situation during a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Beirut. Lacroix emphasized the UN’s commitment to engaging all parties involved in order to restore peace. His visit, described as an expression of solidarity with the Lebanese people, comes at a critical time as violence continues to threaten regional stability.
Lacroix underscored the necessity of implementing UN Resolution 1701, which calls for a cessation of hostilities and the cooperation of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with the Lebanese armed forces. He stated that these measures are vital in addressing the ongoing crisis in southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Mikati expressed gratitude for Lacroix’s visit and acknowledged the steadfast commitment of UNIFIL forces to their mission, despite facing challenging conditions. Mikati reaffirmed the Lebanese government's dedication to adhering to Resolution 1701 and fostering collaboration between the Lebanese army and UNIFIL in maintaining peace and security.
The backdrop of these discussions is marked by Israel's recent military activities, which have included ground operations across the northern border into Lebanon. In a worrying trend, Israeli forces have also targeted UNIFIL positions in southern Lebanon, resulting in injuries to peacekeepers and drawing sharp international condemnation. As the situation continues to evolve, the UN’s efforts to mediate a ceasefire remain critical in hopes of alleviating the suffering of the Lebanese people and restoring stability to the region. The UN and Lebanese authorities are calling for an urgent dialogue to prevent further escalation and to ensure the safety of civilians in the affected areas.