Beirut: This morning, several individuals in civilian clothes obstructed a UNIFIL patrol near Wadi Jilu, an operation that had been previously coordinated with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). The patrol, part of the mission to support Lebanon's adherence to UN Security Council resolution 1701, faced hostility when the individuals began throwing stones at the peacekeepers. The peacekeepers responded by dispersing the crowd with smoke as a defensive measure.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the Lebanese Armed Forces arrived shortly after to manage the situation, which was subsequently brought under control. The UNIFIL spokesperson, Andrea Tenenti, emphasized that peacekeepers are allowed to operate independently in southern Lebanon to fulfill their duties in restoring security and stability as per resolution 1701. The LAF and the Lebanese government have affirmed that there is no requirement for peacekeepers to be accompanied by Lebanese soldiers during their operations.
Tenenti also highlighted that any attack on peacekeepers constitutes a significant breach of international law and resolution 1701. UNIFIL has called on Lebanese authorities to ensure that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice. The peacekeeping force remains committed to its role of impartially monitoring and reporting violations of resolution 1701, as mandated by the Security Council and requested by the Lebanese government.