UN, UNIFIL urge compliance from Israel and Lebanon to ceasefire agreement
United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro on Sunday issued a statement commenting on the situation in south Lebanon after Israel refrained from withdrawing its troops prior to the January 27 deadline.
'Much has changed in Lebanon since the Cessation of Hostilities Understanding came into force in the early hours of 27 November 2024,' Plasschaert and Lázaro said in a joint statement.
'Violence has dramatically decreased. In many areas of southern Lebanon, hundreds of thousands of people have been able to return to their towns and villages. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have shown resolve in deploying to positions from which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are withdrawing. Supported by UNIFIL, the LAF is helping to restore services and facilitating humanitarian access to communities most affected by conflict,' they added.
Moreover, the two U.N. officials said the ongoing government formation process in Lebanon, following the election of a president and the designation of a prime minister, is 'a critical step in building trust between Lebanese citizens and the State.'
'These developments also augur well for prospective support to the full extension of state authority over all Lebanese territory and for the country's recovery, reconstruction and growth,' they added.
'The fact is that the timelines envisaged in the November Understanding have not been met. As seen tragically this morning, conditions are not yet in place for the safe return of citizens to their villages along the Blue Line. Displaced communities, already facing a long road to recovery and reconstruction, are therefore once again being called on to exercise caution. Also, violations of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) continue to be recorded daily,' the statement said, after as Israeli gunfire killed at least three of the returning residents and wounded 44 others.
'Compliance by both parties with their obligations under the November Understanding and the full implementation of resolution 1701 constitute the only way to bring closure to the recent, dark chapter of conflict and open a new one, heralding security, stability and prosperity on both sides of the Blue Line,' the U.N. officials stressed.
'The United Nations continues to engage all actors towards this end and remains ready to support any action consistent with resolution 1701 and the efforts of the Implementation Mechanism to achieve the objectives of the November Understanding,' they said.
'With so much at stake for both Lebanon and Israel, recommitment is urgently needed from all sides,' Plasschaert and Lázaro urged.
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