NNA – During a visit to the United Nations Interim Force's headquarters in southern in Lebanon's Naqoura, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commended peacekeepers for their resilience and dedication amid heightened tensions along the Blue Line.  

In a speech addressing Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz, UNIFIL leadership, and the peacekeeping team, Guterres described the mission as operating in one of the most challenging environments for peacekeepers globally. Guterres praised their role in deterring violence, supporting de-escalation, ensuring humanitarian access, and protecting civilians under the mandate of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.  

"Your contributions have been crucial in restoring stability in southern Lebanon and along the Blue Line," Guterres said. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of UN personnel, stating that attacks against peacekeepers are unacceptable and may constitute war crimes.  

The Secretary-General also highlighted UNIFIL's efforts in uncovering over 100 weapons caches belonging to Hezbollah and other armed groups since late November, reiterating that such violations of Resolution 1701 jeopardize stability in the region.  

Guterres then urged the Israel Defense Forces to cease operations within UNIFIL's area of operations and called for greater international support for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), which are deploying in greater numbers to southern Lebanon.  

"This is a critical opportunity to support the full implementation of Resolution 1701 and deliver lasting security for the people of Lebanon and Israel," Guterres noted, reaffirming UNIFIL's commitment to adapt and strengthen capacities for mine clearance, ordnance disposal, and operational freedom of movement.  

========R.H.