A spokesperson for the United Nations (UN) announced that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is working closely with both Lebanese and Israeli groups to lower tensions in the area. The UN is increasingly worried about the rising violence along the Blue Line, the border that separates Lebanon from northern Israel. They say that this violence is putting civilians in danger and threatening security in the region.

UNIFIL is trying to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts that could make the situation worse. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, is also talking with her colleagues to stress the importance of diplomacy in stopping the violence and restoring peace. The UN is focused on peaceful negotiations, maintaining calm, and creating a safe environment.

The spokesperson reiterated the UN’s call for all parties to immediately reduce hostilities and follow Security Council Resolution 1701. This resolution, established in 2006, calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and includes measures to prevent future clashes. The UN hopes that sticking to this resolution can help bring peace to the affected areas.

Despite the serious situation, the UN assured that its peacekeeping mission in Lebanon is dedicated to its goals. UNIFIL is continuing its operations in the area and adjusting as needed to address the worsening security conditions. The spokesperson emphasised that all parties must respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians, urging them to avoid random attacks and take steps to minimize civilian harm.

On the humanitarian front, the violence has had devastating effects. Imran Riza, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, called the situation "catastrophic." He reported that violence has spread to previously unaffected areas, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure. In just a few days, over 700 people have died, thousands have been injured, and nearly 120,000 have been forced to leave their homes. Since October 2023, more than 1,500 civilians have lost their lives, and 200,000 have been displaced due to the conflict.

In response to this humanitarian crisis, Joyce Msuya, the Acting UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, announced an extra $10 million in aid from the Central Emergency Response Fund. This funding is in addition to another $10 million provided earlier in the week from the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund. The UN promised to keep monitoring the situation closely and support the Lebanese government in addressing the needs of those affected by the conflict.

The United Nations is fully committed to ending the violence and is actively working with international partners to help those suffering from the ongoing conflict.