UNIFIL has 'reinforced its presence in inhabited areas' of southern Lebanon, within constraints imposed by strikes and fighting

BEIRUT — As the situation in the remaining inhabited villages of southern Lebanon fuels fears of the worst, with the Israeli army continuing its invasion, carrying out systematic demolitions and sustained strikes and shelling, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), repeatedly called upon to intervene, told L’Orient Today it is maintaining a “presence” around still-populated localities.

In several predominantly Christian villages in the south, residents have decided to remain on their land and are calling on the Lebanese authorities to come to their aid, especially after the departure of the Lebanese army. The army, however, has indicated that it is maintaining a military presence in the various localities. These include the villages of Rmeish, Ain Ibl, Qlaya, and Dibil. Around Dibil, where Hezbollah and the Israeli army have clashed, the Israeli forces have destroyed houses.

Humanitarian access and evacuations

UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel confirmed in this context to L'Orient Today that the peacekeepers "maintain close engagement with local communities in our area of operations, including in Dibil. We have received their requests and are trying to provide as much support as possible." She emphasized that, in accordance with its mandate to protect civilians as stated in UN Security Council Resolution 1701, UNIFIL "has reinforced its presence through dedicated patrols in populated areas within its area of operations," that is, south of the Litani, and "continues to facilitate humanitarian access in the area." To this end, it coordinates with U.N. missions, international organizations, and the "daily missions of the Lebanese Red Cross." "UNIFIL also facilitates the safe movement of civilians wishing to leave dangerous areas, within the limits of its operational capacity," she added. However, Ms. Ardiel pointed out that due to ongoing fighting and Israeli air and artillery strikes, the movements of the peacekeepers "are heavily restricted." According to her, since March 30, UNIFIL has had to "suspend most of its operations, except for patrols near our positions to ensure the safety of our peacekeepers and essential logistical activities."

Khalaf advocates for humanitarian corridors

The day before, Maronite bishops had called on the U.N. force to protect civilians and ensure they receive necessary supplies, as only one route remains connecting southern Lebanon to the rest of the country, north of Sour, and resident movement is regularly targeted, as was the case last week when a father and son traveling between Rmeish and Dibil were killed.

The bishops' plea was seconded by Deputy Melhem Khalaf (Beirut), who called on Lebanese officials to urge the U.N. and Lebanon's "international relations" to open humanitarian corridors to the southern villages. "Take advantage of Tom Fletcher's presence in Lebanon, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, and immediately call him to an emergency meeting," Khalaf said. He also called for "the ambassadors of the Quintet," which includes the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar, "and even the ambassador of the Holy See" to be convened in order to "hold their countries accountable" regarding the situation. "You do not have the right to remain inactive or lax while Lebanese civilians are besieged and their lives and dignity are under threat," Melhem Khalaf implored, citing the Fourth Geneva Convention and Resolution 1701 to support his call. "Any delay in action will have catastrophic consequences, both nationally and humanly, irreversible and inevitable, before the people, before conscience, and before history," he concluded.

On Wednesday evening, the municipality of Dibil, after destruction caused by Israel in its immediate vicinity, issued an SOS to "the international community, the United Nations, the Vatican, the U.S. ambassador, and all concerned countries," pleading for them to "immediately intervene to stop the destruction" of their homes by the Israeli army and to "put an end to the suffering of the residents."