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UNIFIL calls for political solution in Southern Lebanon despite US-mediated agreement
UNIFIL said peace remains out of reach in Southern Lebanon and called on the parties to demonstrate the political will needed to end the conflict. Lebanese authorities said at least 4,386 people had been killed, 12,407 injured and more than 1 million displaced in attacks since March 2.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said lasting peace had not been achieved in Southern Lebanon and called on the parties to take political decisions and find a solution to end the conflict.
UNIFIL made the statement after a ceremony at its headquarters in the city of Naqoura in Southern Lebanon, held to mark the International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21.
UNIFIL cannot replace political decisions
The force said it contributed to restoring stability, worked to prevent misunderstandings and could help reduce the risk of escalation. However, it said the political will and decisions needed to end the conflict permanently could not be provided by UNIFIL.
UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Diodato Abagnara said peace could not be addressed only one day a year and required continuous responsibility.
Abagnara said the force kept communication channels open with the parties, conducted patrols to reduce tensions and supported the Lebanese Armed Forces in taking on greater responsibility in the south. Saying that responsibility for a political solution rested with the parties, Abagnara said UNIFIL would continue maintaining communication, reducing the risk of tensions and supporting diplomatic efforts.
Resolution 1701 provides the basic framework
Abagnara described the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 as the goal and foundation for lasting peace and stability in Southern Lebanon.
The resolution calls for a complete end to hostilities between Lebanon and Israel and for the area between the Blue Line and the Litani River to be free of armed personnel and weapons other than those of the Lebanese army and UNIFIL.
The United Nations Security Council adopted the resolution in August 2006, after the 33-day war between the Israeli army and Hezbollah. UNIFIL said cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces was central to maintaining stability in the south and strengthening state authority.
Conflict displaces thousands
UNIFIL said the ongoing conflict had forced thousands of people to leave their homes and that many remained displaced. The force said the conflict had disrupted livelihoods, caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, and resulted in the deaths and injuries of civilians.
This year's International Day of Peace will be the last one UNIFIL marks before its mandate expires at the end of 2026. The United Nations Security Council decided in 2025 to end the mandate.
Lebanese authorities announce toll from attacks
Lebanese authorities said at least 4,386 people had been killed, 12,407 injured and more than 1 million displaced in Israel's attacks on Lebanon since March 2.
The attacks continued despite the US-mediated framework agreement signed by the two countries on June 26. The agreement calls for the deployment of the Lebanese army in the area and the disarmament of Hezbollah in exchange for Israel's gradual withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory.
Israel has retained control of areas in Southern Lebanon, some for decades and others since the 2023–2024 war. Israeli forces were reported to have advanced more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory during the current operation.
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