UNIFIL unable to patrol as fighting intensifies in southern Lebanon

The spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General announced on Monday that UN peacekeepers in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have been unable to conduct patrols due to the intensity of "Israeli" airstrikes and Hezbollah rocket fire targeting "Israel".

Stéphane Dujarric, speaking on behalf of Secretary-General António Guterres, informed reporters that "UNIFIL forces remain in their positions within the mission's designated area, as the intensity of the fighting hampers their movement and ability to perform their duties."

He noted, "The ongoing rocket exchanges have rendered them unable to patrol."

When asked about the possibility of evacuating UNIFIL personnel if the situation escalates, Dujarric refrained from speculating but mentioned an existing "emergency plan" if needed.

"We are monitoring the situation closely, hour by hour," he said, adding that some civilian staff members have already been evacuated to the north.

UNIFIL, which consists of over 10,000 troops, has been deployed in southern Lebanon since 1978 to ensure security along the border with "Israel". Its role was significantly expanded following the 2006 war between Hezbollah and "Israel".

The force is tasked with monitoring compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates the presence of both the Lebanese army and UNIFIL in southern Lebanon.

As such, UNIFIL is required to conduct patrols along the Blue Line, the boundary established by the UN between Lebanon and Israel.