Member States convened around the horseshoe-shaped table, urging parties to refrain from further escalation and reiterating the obligation to protect civilians and respect the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Despite its mandate set to expire on December 31, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the necessity of the peacekeeping force’s continued presence in Lebanon beyond that date.
In a letter presented to Council members, he outlined three potential scenarios involving more than 2,000 to over 5,500 UN personnel to monitor a ceasefire and support the Lebanese army.
Escalation in the South Remains Real
To gain a clearer understanding of the situation on the ground, UN News spoke with UNIFIL spokesperson Tilak Pokharel on Tuesday.
He noted a significant increase in violence over the past weekend.
Pokharel stated, “We have seen more firing from both sides. For example, yesterday the number of shells fired by Israel, by the IDF, reached the highest level, and the previous day it was almost the same level.” He added that non-state armed groups also continue to fire from Lebanon towards Israeli targets.
Widespread Destruction Along the Blue Line
The UNIFIL spokesperson indicated that the IDF has advanced deeper into Lebanon, causing widespread destruction to homes and other civilian infrastructure in the south. “This has displaced people from their homes, and they have not been able to return. Currently, most of the area where our positions are located is under IDF control,” he said.
UNIFIL endeavors to assist those who choose to remain by facilitating access for humanitarian organizations and escorting aid missions.
Pokharel added, “In a few instances, we have provided small donations to meet immediate needs, not only within UNIFIL’s areas of operation but also for people who have been forcibly displaced or had to flee the area and are mostly living outside the collective shelters.”
Barricades and Mines Create Extraordinary Conditions for Peacekeepers
Pokharel detailed that much of the infrastructure, including buildings, near the Blue Line demarcation has been destroyed or damaged. “Many bridges along the Litani River have been targeted, and peacekeepers are encountering numerous barricades and mines placed on roads. It is an extraordinary situation in which we are operating,” he said.
The UNIFIL spokesperson explained, “Peacekeepers, coming from distant countries, away from their homes, families, and friends, have had to remain in shelters for days, even weeks, enduring difficult times in southern Lebanon.”
Pokharel recounted, “Following the last escalation, there was a situation where they could not resupply their positions, some going without food, fresh food, or water for days. We have gone through all of that.”
He reminded that since the outbreak of hostilities on March 2, six UNIFIL peacekeepers have lost their lives “while performing their duties in southern Lebanon for peace and stability.”
