UN Peacekeeping Chief Warns of Increased IDF Incidents and UNIFIL's Future

UNIFIL Mandate and Support

• 🇱🇧 The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) will continue to support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and deliver on its mandate until December 31, 2026.
• 🤝 UNIFIL benefits from excellent relations and strong support from Lebanese authorities and cooperation with the LAF.
• 🗺️ The Security Council has requested options for UN support to Resolution 1701 post-UNIFIL, with a report due by June 1, and Lebanese authorities are interested in maintaining a UN presence.

Challenges and Incidents

• ⚠️ The environment for peacekeepers is increasingly challenging, with occasional restrictions of movement and, more worryingly, an increasing frequency of aggressive incidents originating from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
• 🚨 These incidents have put peacekeepers in danger, and the UN has called upon the IDF to take measures to avoid tragic consequences.
• 📉 The implementation of saving plans due to financial contributors' lack of full payment has been mitigated by UNIFIL and UNDOF through innovation and adaptation.

UNDOF and the Area of Separation

• 🇸 আনু UNDOF's mandate is based on the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Syria and Israel.
• 🚧 The IDF has entered the area of separation, where only UNDOF should be present, creating a changed and challenging environment that UNDOF is working to mitigate.
• 🔙 The UN desires a return to the full implementation of the 1974 agreement, with UNDOF as the sole military presence in the area of separation.

Regional Stability and Mine Action

• 🇸🇦 The Under-Secretary-General visited Jordan and is currently in Jeddah to discuss regional stability and UN peacekeeping roles amidst ongoing tensions.
• 💣 The UN Department of Peace Operations also oversees UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), which operates in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank, highlighting huge needs in these areas.
• 💰 UNMAS is seeking increased financial support and advocacy from donors to facilitate their work, particularly regarding equipment and visas.

Impact of Peacekeeping Cuts

• 🌍 Peacekeeping cuts have led to reduced patrols in UNIFIL and the closure of bases in South Sudan, impacting the ability to support local populations, mitigate conflicts, and assist humanitarian efforts.
• 💡 Missions are documenting the impact of these cuts and are encouraged to innovate and adapt to mitigate consequences, though these measures do not entirely cancel the impact.