UN Peacekeeping Forces to resume full operations after Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire

With the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah coming into force on Tuesday (November 26), the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) will now resume their operations fully as per Resolution 1701 of the UN Security Council.

Adopted in 2006, Resolution 1701 seeks to end hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, with the Security Council calling for a permanent ceasefire to be based on the creation of a buffer zone.

As per the Resolution, the Council decided to take steps to ensure peace in the region, and increased the strength of UNIFIL to 15,000 troops that would, among other things, monitor the cessation of hostilities, support Lebanese armed forces as Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon and ensure the safe return of displaced persons.

As of now, the UNIFIL consists of 10,150 UN Peacekeeping Forces from 48 contributing nations. Notably, India is the third-largest contributor to the UNIFIL, with 902 peacekeepers deployed in Lebanon during the conflict. The Indian Army has been regularly monitoring the situation in Lebanon and is in touch with the UN, regarding the Indian peacekeepers in the region.

After the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began last year, the UN Peacekeeping Forces, who were in Lebabon under the UNIFIL, were directed to stay in safe areas and control their movements. There was also a disruption in logistical supplies to the forces which impacted the UN's operations in Southern Lebanon.

The UNIFIL had been facing challenges throughout the conflict and was not able to carry out its designated operations due to incessant attacks by Israel Defence Forces close to the Blue Line.

Stretching for 120 km along Lebanon's southern frontier and Israel's northern border, the Blue Line is a demarcation line dividing Lebanon from Israel and the Golan Heights in Syria. It was published by the UN in 2000 to determine whether Israel had fully withdrawn from Lebanon.

As the situation is expected to improve in Southern Lebanon, UNIFIL will be actively involved in rescue and relief operations in the region.

The Naqoura headquarters of UNIFIL in Southern Lebanon has remained deeply exposed to Israeli attacks during the conflict. The UN had been appealing for the safety of the peacekeepers in the region.

The United Nations welcomed the ceasefire and said that it would continue its efforts as per Resolution 1701 to maintain peace in the region.

The UNIFIL said in a statement that considerable work lies ahead to restore the safety and security of the civilians on both sides of the Blue Line.

The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, welcomed the ceasefire announcement and said, “This agreement marks the starting point of a critical process, anchored in the full implementation of Resolution 1701, to restore the safety and security that civilians on both sides of the Blue Line deserve."

She said that considerable work lay ahead to ensure that the ceasefire agreement endured. "Nothing less than the full and unwavering commitment of both parties is required," she said.