BEIRUT: The commander of the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, General. Aroldo Lazaro, on Wednesday warned of the continuing danger of escalation in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
He calls for a cessation of hostilities and implement permanent ceasefire for a long-term solution to the conflict. He strongly believed that there can be no military solution to any conflict.
Lazaro went on to say almost 50 nations sent peacekeepers to southern Lebanon because of commitment, friendship and a view that long-term peace is inevitable for the region.
He added over 46 years, the UN force has developed strong bonds with the communities in which it lived and worked.
The UN commander added that since October, UNIFIL has urged all parties to honour their commitments under Resolution 1701 and has maintained its efforts to lower tensions and prevent escalation.
The UN Security Council in 2006, adopted the resolution 1701 with the objective of resolving the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Lazaro added the UN mission has also provided dental, medical, and veterinary care in villages throughout Lebanon while supplying solar-energy systems to villages, civil defense and schools.
The official said the force has also liaised with the parties to ensure the safety of workers busy in repairing important civilian infrastructure.
He said irrespective of faith or background, the force calls upon all parties to respect the spirit of unity and compassion.
Lazaro’s appeal comes at a time when Israeli forces conducted strikes on Wednesday in the vicinity of several border towns, including Kfarkela, Dhaira, Yarine and Alma Al-Shaab.
The strikes have limited the movement of civilians on the first day of the Eid Al-Fitr holiday.
Hezbollah has reported 274 deaths among its members after the war between Israel and Hamas started on October 7 in Gaza.
