The Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Major General Diodato Abagnara, said on Tuesday that peace in southern Lebanon remains elusive, while affirming that hope for achieving it still exists.
Abagnara added, in a speech marking the International Day of Peace, that lasting peace requires commitments and political solutions from the parties themselves, pointing out that peacekeepers can help restore stability, avoid misunderstandings, and reduce the risks of escalation, but they cannot replace the political will and decisions necessary to end the conflict permanently.
He said that the responsibility for reaching a political solution rests with the parties, stressing that UNIFIL will continue to play its role by keeping communication channels open, reducing the risks of escalation, and supporting diplomatic efforts.
He added that peacekeepers continue their patrols and keep communication channels open with the parties to reduce the risks of misunderstanding and escalation, alongside working with the Lebanese Armed Forces as they assume greater responsibilities in the south.
Abagnara stressed that the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 remains the goal and basis for achieving lasting peace and stability in southern Lebanon, noting that continued cooperation between the Lebanese Armed Forces and peacekeepers remains essential to maintain stability and support the extension of state authority in the south.
He said that the hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel have left a profound humanitarian and physical impact in southern Lebanon, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes—many of whom remain displaced—disrupting livelihoods, and causing widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, alongside civilian casualties and injuries.
Peacekeepers observed the International Day of Peace with a ceremony held on Monday evening at UNIFIL's headquarters in Naqoura, at a time when local communities in southern Lebanon are still facing the repercussions of the conflict.
UNIFIL's celebration of the International Day of Peace this year marks its last before the end of its mandate at the end of the year, following the UN Security Council's decision in 2025 to end the mission.
