Right here’s what it is advisable to learn about UNIFIL, the United Nations Interim Power in Lebanon:
Safety Council authorization
In March 1978, following Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, the Safety Council established UNIFIL. Its mission is to substantiate the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, restore worldwide peace and safety, and help the Lebanese authorities in restoring efficient authority within the area.
It was not till 2000 that Israel withdrew its troops from Lebanon. Within the absence of agreed borders, the United Nations established a 120-kilometer withdrawal line referred to as the “Blue Line” that UNIFIL displays and patrols.
After 30 days of lethal battle between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006, the Safety Council strengthened its mission by way of up to date resolutions. Decision 1701 expanded the unique mandate to incorporate monitoring the cessation of hostilities.
It additionally authorizes UNIFIL peacekeepers to accompany and help the Lebanese Armed Forces after they deploy all through southern Lebanon.
learn united nations information Interpreter on Decision 1701.
What did UNIFIL say after Israel attacked Lebanon?
UNIFIL warned on 6 October 2024 that it was “deeply involved by current IDF actions in Lebanese territory within the western sector, in shut proximity to UNIFIL positions”.
The United Nations mission continued to watch heavy exchanges of fireplace.
“IDF air strikes and floor incursions focused a number of areas on either side of the Blue Line,” mentioned UN spokesman Dujarric, including that “Hezbollah launched dozens of assaults throughout the identical interval, together with repelling IDF floor invasion and Israeli goal areas in northern Israel itself.
UNIFIL added: “That is an especially harmful improvement. It’s unacceptable to compromise the security of United Nations peacekeepers finishing up duties mandated by the Safety Council.
What do peacekeepers do?
UNIFIL peacekeepers play a significant function in serving to to keep away from inadvertent escalation and misunderstandings between Israel and Lebanon by way of the mission’s liaison mechanisms.
They patrol southern Lebanon, impartially monitor the scenario on the bottom and report violations of Decision 1701.
Peacekeepers additionally help the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) by way of coaching, assist strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces’ deployment in southern Lebanon, and ultimately take over the safety duties at the moment carried out by peacekeepers.
Though patrols and logistical actions have turn into tougher because of the present safety scenario, peacekeepers stay at their posts and proceed to hold out their licensed duties.
If there could also be an imminent menace to their security, they could must return to base and even head to a shelter.
United Nations Photograph/Pasqual Gorriz
UNIFIL additionally homes the Maritime Job Power, the primary of its form in a United Nations peacekeeping mission, which helps the Lebanese Navy in monitoring Lebanese territorial waters and stopping unauthorized weapons and associated materiel from getting into the realm of ​​operations.
The mission mentioned that in 2006 “the deployment of the MTF was a landmark transfer that led to the lifting of Israel’s naval blockade of Lebanon”.
UNIFIL additionally facilitates entry for humanitarian actors to help native civilians and supplies safety to civilians when the Lebanese authorities is unable to offer safety.
Peacekeepers additionally help native communities by way of packages and donations in well being care, schooling, infrastructure and extra.
UNIFIL figures
At present, almost 11,000 folks work within the mission, together with roughly 10,000 army personnel, in addition to roughly 550 native civilian personnel and 250 worldwide civilian personnel.
About 50 completely different international locations contribute troops to the mission. At present, Indonesia is the most important contributor, with greater than 1,200 army and police personnel.
The MTF at the moment consists of 5 ships; six helicopters help UNIFIL operations.
UNIFIL’s annual funds is roughly $500 million.
