ALWAGHT- UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, described the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah as "fragile" and urged Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanese territories.
The UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, informed the UN Security Council that the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel remains fragile but continues to hold. He acknowledged Lebanon’s commitment to the agreement and noted that the deployment of Lebanese armed forces to the south depends on Israel’s withdrawal. Lacroix welcomed a reported sequenced withdrawal plan for Israeli troops and the corresponding deployment of Lebanese forces but expressed concern over ongoing Israeli activities, including demolitions, airstrikes, and violations of Lebanese airspace.
Lacroix highlighted the challenges faced by the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), whose personnel are confined to bases or bunkers due to Israeli attacks. UNIFIL's operations are further hindered by unexploded ordnance, roadblocks set up by the Israeli army, and interference from local individuals. Lacroix emphasized that Israel’s continued occupation of Lebanese territory violates Security Council Resolution 1701, which brokered the 2006 ceasefire, and called for Israel’s immediate withdrawal, as outlined in the 60-day truce agreement.
The ceasefire, effective since November 27, followed Israel’s failure to achieve its objectives during nearly 14 months of conflict with Hezbollah, incurring significant losses. The truce, intended to last 60 days, aims to pave the way for a permanent cessation of hostilities. An international monitoring committee, led by the United States, has been established to oversee the implementation of the agreement and ensure compliance by both sides.
