The spokesperson of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Andrea Tenenti, stated that the peacekeeping forces will not abandon their positions despite being subjected to “direct and deliberate attacks by Israel.” Tenenti emphasized that UNIFIL forces will continue to fulfill their duties in the face of significant challenges encountered in southern Lebanon. The UNIFIL Spokesperson underscored that UNIFIL positions in en-Nakura, el-Lebbune, and Ramiye in southern Lebanon have been directly and deliberately attacked by the Israeli army since October 8, 2023. Tenenti mentioned the peacekeeping soldiers injured by Israeli fire, stating that “Fire from an Israeli Merkava tank hit the observation tower of our Nakura headquarters, injuring 5 peacekeeping soldiers. Two of them were wounded directly due to the tower being targeted.” Tenenti pointed out that 15 UNIFIL soldiers were affected by a type of smoke disseminated by the Israeli army in Ramiye. While not providing specific details, both UN experts and international organizations have proven that Israel has used internationally banned white phosphorus bombs in Gaza and Lebanon.

Tenenti stated that UNIFIL maintains continuous contact with both Lebanese and Israeli authorities and that the Mission Chief and Commander General Aroldo Lazaro directly informed the Israeli army that attacks on UN positions are unacceptable. Formal protests regarding recent attacks were also conveyed to the Israeli army in writing. Tenenti noted that Israel has not provided an explanation for its attacks on UNIFIL positions, cameras, and communication equipment. Emphasizing UNIFIL’s preparedness for any emergency, Tenenti stated, “We regularly adjust our activities and have emergency plans in place to activate if necessary.” Reminding all parties of their responsibility to ensure the safety of UNIFIL personnel, Tenenti called for avoiding any actions that would endanger UN peacekeepers. Stressing the need to respect UN buildings, Tenenti reiterated the call of the UN Security Council for respecting the safety of UN personnel and buildings.

Regarding the impact of Israeli attacks on humanitarian aid provided by the peacekeeping force, Tenenti highlighted the adverse effects of escalating security problems on UN peacekeeping activities. While mentioning that UNIFIL does not have an official humanitarian mission, Tenenti conveyed that UN peacekeeping forces support the local population to the best of their ability. Despite recent suspension of most activities due to the security situation over the past two weeks, UNIFIL continues to engage whenever possible, including the distribution of essential supplies like cleaning materials and stoves in the village of El-Kalia. Tenenti also mentioned facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid convoys to various towns in southern Lebanon.

UNIFIL has been operating in southern Lebanon for 46 years since the beginning of the civil war in Lebanon led to Israel’s invasion and occupation of the region in 1978. Meant to confirm Israel’s withdrawal, restore peace and security, and assist the Lebanese government in the south, UNIFIL was established by the UN Security Council on March 19, 1978, at Lebanon’s request. The mission is renewed annually, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that attacks on UNIFIL positions by Israel on October 15 could constitute a war crime. UN Security Council Resolution 1701 requires Israel to withdraw behind the Blue Line and disarm the area between the Blue Line and the Litani River, allowing only Lebanese armed forces and UNIFIL weapons and military equipment.

In the ongoing controlled clashes with Hezbollah since October 8, 2023, the Israeli army has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in southern Lebanese cities, as well as Bekaa and Baalbek regions. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, since October 8, 2023, a total of 2,367 people have died, including 104 children and 194 women, with 11,088 others wounded. Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah was killed in Israeli airstrikes on Beirut on September 27. In retaliation, Hezbollah has targeted Israel with rockets and missiles, mostly aiming at military bases without causing significant damage. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced in Lebanon due to Israeli bombing, with over 461,000 displaced individuals fleeing to Syria as the migration wave continues from southern Lebanon to the capital Beirut and the north.