United Nations (UN) spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric provided an update on the activities of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and ongoing humanitarian aid efforts for those displaced by clashes between Israeli soldiers and Hezbollah militants. On Thursday, Dujarric reported that UNIFIL peacekeepers observed 143 trajectories of munitions, with 119 attributed to Israel and the remainder to Hezbollah, noting no violations of Lebanese airspace. The previous day, Wednesday, saw 364 projectiles launched, 330 attributed to Israel and 34 to Hezbollah, alongside 38 recorded airspace violations.
Dujarric also stated that the peacekeepers continue to observe extensive ground activities by Israel within their area of operation. He detailed an incident on Wednesday in Tiri where a UNIFIL convoy was blocked by two Israeli tanks, one of which pointed its weapon at a UNIFIL vehicle. The peacekeepers were forced to halt and turn back when instructed by the soldiers to stop the convoy. The convoy eventually reached its destination via an alternative route. “We reiterate that UNIFIL peacekeepers must have freedom of movement throughout their area of operation without restriction as they carry out their duties on behalf of the Security Council,” Dujarric affirmed.
The UN Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs in Lebanon, Imran Riza, and UNIFIL Force Commander, Lieutenant General Diodato Abagnara, held meetings in Beirut on Wednesday with President Joseph Aoun and Speaker Nabih Berri. General Abagnara reportedly emphasized UNIFIL’s commitment to supporting the full implementation of Resolution 1701, which continues to serve as the framework for restoring stability and security in South Lebanon, in close coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Regarding humanitarian developments, Dujarric mentioned that UNIFIL facilitated nine humanitarian missions in the western sector of its area of operation on Wednesday. He also announced an additional allocation of $12 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) by UN Humanitarian Affairs Chief Tom Fletcher to assist the hundreds of thousands displaced by the conflict. This funding is designated to provide access to health services and protection against gender-based violence, among other critical services. The aid will also help combat food insecurity among the displaced population in Lebanon.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), approximately 50,000 individuals in the Nabatiyeh and South Governorates have returned to their homes since the declaration of a regional ceasefire. However, over 106,000 people remain in collective shelters nationwide, with more housed elsewhere. OCHA warned that ongoing insecurity, widespread destruction, and limited access to basic services are preventing many from returning to their homes.
