The commander of the UNIFIL Western sector, General Nicola Mandolesi, met with the head of the Hanieh (Sour) Municipal Council, Qassem Mohsen, as part of institutional meetings with local authorities in southern Lebanon.

“The meeting took place in a friendly and constructive atmosphere and was an important opportunity to establish direct dialogue and better understand the needs and challenges of the local community,” said a UNIFIL statement. Mohsen highlighted “the excellent relationship between the municipality and the UNIFIL peacekeepers” and expressed his “gratitude for the continuous support they provide to the local population.”

Mandolesi reiterated “UNIFIL's commitment in the West Sector to support the Lebanese armed forces to ensure security conditions that allow citizens to return home safely.” The meeting “is part of the broader efforts made by UNIFIL to strengthen dialogue with local authorities and support stability and security in southern Lebanon,” the statement said.

Despite the truce concluded on Nov. 27, Israel continues to carry out almost daily strikes against suspected Hezbollah members in Lebanon and maintains a presence in the south in five positions it deems "strategic." Lebanese authorities recently pressed for the disarmament of Hezbollah. In early April, Foreign Minister Joe Rajji stated that Lebanon “has been clearly informed that no international aid or reconstruction will take place without the exclusivity of arms north and south of the Litani.”