The head of UN Peacekeeping concluded the Lebanon portion of his regional tour

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, recently wrapped up a four-day trip to Lebanon. This visit, a routine part of his Middle East peacekeeping missions, occurred amidst heightened tensions along the Blue Line, the demarcation between Lebanon and Israel, as noted by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

During his stay, Lacroix emphasized UNIFIL’s critical role in reducing tensions along the Blue Line. He called for all parties to halt hostilities, reaffirm their commitment to U.N. resolution 1701, and work towards a sustainable political and diplomatic resolution, underscoring that this is the only path to enduring peace.

Lacroix’s agenda included meetings with several key Lebanese figures, such as Speaker Nabih Berri, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, caretaker Foreign Affairs Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, caretaker Defense Minister Maurice Slim, Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, and acting General Security Director Maj. Gen. Elias Bayssari. He also met with ambassadors from countries contributing troops to UNIFIL, ambassadors of the Permanent Members of the U.N. Security Council, and other diplomatic representatives.

A major focus of these discussions was the urgent need to de-escalate the ongoing tensions across the Blue Line. Lacroix expressed deep concern about the recent fire exchanges since October 8, warning of the potential for broader escalation and stressing the importance of an immediate ceasefire to prevent a more severe conflict.

Since the onset of these clashes, there have been numerous civilian and journalist casualties, and UNIFIL has been hit multiple times, resulting in injuries to three peacekeepers. Lacroix condemned these incidents, reiterating the need to protect civilians and respect the sanctity of U.N. personnel and premises.

He praised the dedication of over 10,000 UNIFIL peacekeepers who continue to fulfill their mandate despite significant challenges, the likes of which haven’t been seen since 2006. Lacroix affirmed that the mission and its peacekeepers remain committed to supporting a long-term resolution to the conflict.