UNIFIL chief calls for Israeli withdrawal from Southern Lebanon

Major General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz, Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), has underscored the urgency of accelerating the Israeli army’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and advancing the deployment of the Lebanese army in the area.

General Sáenz’s remarks came during a meeting with Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and General Joseph Aoun, Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), at UNIFIL's Eastern Sector headquarters in Ibl al-Saqi.

The leaders also visited Al-Khiyam, a key town recently vacated by Israeli forces. The Lebanese army has since moved into the area with support from UNIFIL, marking a significant step toward implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which was adopted in 2006 to end hostilities following the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

In a statement issued by the United Nations, all parties were urged to cease violations of Resolution 1701 and to avoid actions that could jeopardise the fragile stability in the region. The statement highlighted the need for restraint to maintain the cessation of hostilities and prevent further escalation.

UNIFIL reiterated its commitment to its mandate, emphasising its role in monitoring and reporting violations of Resolution 1701 while facilitating cooperation between the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Israeli army.

The mission aims to support a return to sustained peace and security along the Blue Line, the demarcation separating Lebanon and Israel.

The deployment of the Lebanese army in Al-Khiyam, facilitated by UNIFIL, represents a critical step in stabilising the area and ensuring the sovereignty of the Lebanese state in the south. However, challenges remain, with periodic tensions and reported violations by both sides continuing to threaten the tenuous calm.

Major General Sáenz’s call for progress reflects UNIFIL's ongoing efforts to mediate and build confidence between the parties while supporting the full implementation of Resolution 1701.