UN Calls for End to Conflict Along Lebanon's Blue Line

The UN (ANTARA) - The head of the United Nations (UN) spokesperson on Wednesday (25/2) called for an end to the conflict along the Blue Line, the buffer zone in southern Lebanon.

“We once again call on all parties to immediately de-escalate and urge the parties to return to compliance with the ceasefire agreement,” said Stephane Dujarric, head of the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Dujarric said that following reports of attacks by Israeli forces near newly established monitoring posts in Marjayoun, UN peacekeeping forces said they were not targeted, but there was shooting towards the nearby Lebanese Armed Forces contingent.

The monitoring posts were established by the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

“The peacekeeping forces saw a group of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers disembark from two vehicles and fire towards the Lebanese Armed Forces post,” Dujarric said. “UNIFIL has sent a ‘cease fire’ request to the IDF through its liaison channels. UNIFIL also confirmed that its peacekeeping forces were not the target in the shooting.”

Dujarric also called for the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, which was adopted in 2006 to establish stability along the Blue Line.