President of the Security Council Pascale Baeriswyl (Switzerland) on the Situation in Lebanon - Security Council Media Stakeout
Against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities along the Blue Line, the members of the Security Council expressed their strong concerns after several UNIFIL positions came under fire in the past days. Several peacekeepers have been wounded.
They urged all parties to respect the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and premises. They recalled that UN peacekeepers and UN premises must never be the target of an attack.
They reiterated their support to UNIFIL, underscoring its role in supporting regional stability.
They expressed as well their deep concern for civilian casualties and sufferings, the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the rising number of internally displaced people. They called on all parties to abide by international humanitarian law.
They called for the full implementation of UNSCR 1701 and recognized the need for further practical measures to achieve that outcome. They also emphasized the need for diplomatic endeavours that would bring a durable end to the conflict and allow civilians on both sides of the Blue Line to return safely to their homes