'There is no inevitability to the conflict,' says new UN Special Coordinator on visit to UNIFIL

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the new UN Special Coordinator based in Lebanon, paid her first visit on Thursday to the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, in southern Lebanon, which has been subjected to daily exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and the Israeli army for over eight months. During her visit, she said that there is "no inevitability to the conflict," calling "all parties" to a cease-fire.

"Our joint efforts are aimed at restoring stability along the Blue Line after more than eight months of intense exchanges that have severely disrupted the lives of tens of thousands of people on both sides," Hennis-Plasschaert said at the end of her visit. "It is essential that all parties cease firing and commit to finding lasting solutions in line with Security Council Resolution 1701. The conflict is not inevitable," she added.

During her visit to UNIFIL headquarters, she met with the UNIFIL Commander and Head of Mission, Lieutenant-General Aroldo Lazaro, as well as with peacekeepers deployed in southern Lebanon. She also praised the "dedication" of her peacekeepers, who continue to patrol the area south of the Litani River despite the gunfire.

Lazaro assured that "despite the current challenges, UNIFIL soldiers will continue to support the implementation of Resolution 1701 on the ground and to engage both parties through our liaison and coordination mechanisms." "We will continue to work closely with the Special Coordinator to encourage de-escalation and steps towards a lasting political and diplomatic solution," he added.

The two UN representatives reaffirmed the possibility for the belligerents to choose negotiations and peace, reiterating the UN's commitment to working with all parties and international partners to restore peace, security and stability to Lebanon, Israel and the wider region during this critical period.

The clashes in southern Lebanon, which began with the opening of a front "in support of the resistance in Gaza" by Hezbollah on Oct. 8, have claimed 468 lives. Most of the victims were Hezbollah members, but, according to L'Orient-Le Jour's figures, 73 civilians, three journalists and over 20 rescue workers were also killed.

This article originally appeared in French in L'Orient-Le Jour.