By: ATN News
New York: **UN Security Council Extends UNIFIL Mandate Amid Intensifying Middle East Tensions**
In a unanimous decision reflective of deepening concerns over escalating conflict in the Middle East, the United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) until August 31, 2025. This extension, codified through Resolution 2749 (2024), underscores the Council's ongoing commitment to pursuing a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the region.
The resolution, adopted without opposition, calls for the full implementation of Resolution 1701 (2006)—the framework established to end hostilities between Israel and Hizbullah after the 2006 Lebanon War. The Council has urged all involved parties to take immediate and effective measures toward de-escalation, emphasizing the critical need to restore calm and stability along the volatile Blue Line, which demarcates the border between Lebanon and Israel.
France’s representative, speaking before the vote, highlighted the dire consequences of rising tensions along the Blue Line, warning of a very real risk of open warfare. France, which advocated for a 12-month renewal of UNIFIL’s mandate, also issued a stern call for Iran and its allied groups to cease their attacks, underscoring the necessity of adhering fully to the guidelines established by Resolution 1701.
In remarks following the vote, the United States expressed significant concern over what it described as Hezbollah’s escalating aggression against Israel since October 2023. The U.S. representative expressed regret that the Council did not explicitly condemn Hezbollah in the resolution, arguing that Lebanon must not be allowed to become a “haven for terrorist organizations” or a launchpad for attacks on Israel. The representative also criticized Iran’s ongoing provision of advanced weaponry to Hezbollah, a concern shared by the United Kingdom.
Other Council members, including Malta, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the crucial role of UNIFIL amid increasing violence. Sierra Leone’s representative, serving as the Council’s President for August, highlighted the importance of safeguarding the integrity of UNIFIL’s mandate at a time when hostilities are escalating. He described the resolution as a carefully balanced response to the complex and deteriorating situation on the ground.
China welcomed the consensus achieved, with its representative stating that the resolution reaffirms the Council’s commitment to a complete cessation of hostilities and a permanent ceasefire. He emphasized that only sustained diplomatic efforts can lead to a lasting solution to the conflict, a sentiment strongly echoed by Switzerland’s representative.
Several delegates, including those from the Republic of Korea, Guyana, and Ecuador, underscored the indispensable role of UNIFIL in maintaining a degree of stability in Lebanon. They noted that the Force is vital not only for monitoring the cessation of hostilities but also for ensuring humanitarian access to affected civilian populations. Japan and Slovenia also stressed the importance of taking measures to protect UNIFIL personnel, who are operating in increasingly precarious conditions.
Russia’s representative linked the current military escalation to the unresolved Palestinian-Israeli conflict, calling for an immediate ceasefire and condemning what he described as the ongoing “brutal assault on the Palestinian people.” Algeria’s representative similarly placed the blame for regional instability on Israel’s occupation, arguing that the situation along the Blue Line and systemic attacks on Lebanese sovereignty highlight the urgent need for full implementation of Resolution 1701.
Lebanon’s representative described the unanimous vote as a “gesture of hope” for the Lebanese people who oppose war and violence. He reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to ensuring the security and safety of UNIFIL personnel and called for collective efforts toward de-escalation, a ceasefire, and the full implementation of relevant resolutions. “Only then,” he stressed, “will Lebanon have a secure border, which will create stability for border villages and their inhabitants.”
In stark contrast, Israel’s representative condemned what he described as Lebanon’s unprovoked attack on October 8, 2023, accusing Hezbollah of building a vast arsenal of rockets in southern Lebanon “under the nose of UNIFIL.” The Israeli representative criticized the resolution for failing to explicitly mention Hezbollah, arguing that while Israel does not expect UNIFIL to confront Hezbollah directly, it does expect the Force to provide an accurate account of the realities on the ground.
As tensions continue to mount in the region, the Security Council's decision to extend UNIFIL’s mandate serves as a clear acknowledgment of the international community's deep concern over the fragile situation along the Blue Line. The extension reflects a collective hope that, despite the escalating violence, there remains a path to peace through sustained diplomatic efforts and adherence to international resolutions.
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