European Commission Vice President Josep Borrell has expressed optimism that the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar could pave the way for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. He also called for a review of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL, suggesting its role may need to be expanded. The G7 meeting focused on the conflict in West Asia, with discussions on recent attacks on UNIFIL and the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati has rejected Iran’s offer to help implement UN Resolution 1701, calling it interference in Lebanese affairs. This comes as Israel continues to target Lebanon and demands the withdrawal of UNIFIL peacekeeping forces, escalating tensions in the region.
The UN Security Council has issued a statement expressing ‘strong concern’ over Israel’s attacks on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon during the escalating conflict with Hezbollah. The statement urges all parties to respect the safety of UN personnel and calls for a return to negotiations and the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on the UN Secretary-General to immediately withdraw UN peacekeepers from southern Lebanon, citing concerns for their safety amidst escalating tensions with Hezbollah. This comes after Israeli fire injured five UNIFIL members, with the peacekeeping force refusing to relocate from its positions along the Lebanese border.
Despite its initial mandate to ensure a buffer zone free of unauthorised militias, UNIFIL has failed to curb Hezbollah’s growing influence and military presence in Southern Lebanon. This failure is attributed to a combination of factors: Hezbollah’s dominance, the Lebanese Armed Forces’ subservience to Hezbollah, and UNIFIL’s limited mandate. The article explores the challenges facing UNIFIL and analyzes the potential consequences of its continued presence in a region where its effectiveness is increasingly questioned.
