Tensions in the Middle East have reached a boiling point, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon and surrounding areas.
The latest escalation began when Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel, mere hours after Israel initiated a “limited” ground incursion into southern Lebanon, as per the media reports, has worsen the situation at hand.
In a significant escalation, Israeli airstrikes targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut on Friday, killing Hasan Nasrallah, the prominent leader of the Hezbollah armed group, according to reports.
The situation in Lebanon has taken a devastating turn, with dozens killed and rendering thousands injured in consecutive days of electronic device explosions targeting Hezbollah members last month.
In response to the soaring crisis situation in the Middle East, the UN has launched a $426 million aid appeal to support approximately one million people displaced due to widespread Israel offensive.
However, Israel has characterized its military action as a “limited, localized, and targeted” ground operation into Lebanon, conducted across the UN-patrolled line of separation.
The role of UN Interim Force in Lebanon?
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stated that it had been informed 30th September, about the Israeli military’s plans for “limited ground incursion.”
The UN peacekeeping contingent remains deployed and vigilant, undeterred by this disturbing development.
The United Nations peacekeeping force has around 10,500 peacekeepers from 50 troop-contributing countries.
The UN Mission has issued a statement emphasizing that any Israeli incursion into Lebanon would be a clear breach of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, contravening UN Security Council Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006 to halt the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
“We urge all actors to step back from such escalatory acts, which will only lead to more violence and more bloodshed,” UNIFIL stated.
Why Resolution 1701 stands crucial?
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, as the resolution was adopted unanimously in 2006, aims to end hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, seeking a permanent ceasefire through the establishment of a buffer zone. Adopted unanimously in 2006.
The Council took bold steps to ensure peace in Lebanon by strengthening UNIFIL to a maximum of 15,000 troops that would, among other things, monitor the cessation of hostilities, support Lebanese armed forces as Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon and ensure the safe return of displaced persons.
A 19-paragraph long resolution call for a full cessation of hostilities base upon, in particular, the immediate end by Hezbollah of all attacks and by Israel of all offensive military operations.
Additionally, the resolution called for Israel and Lebanon to support a permanent ceasefire, and a long-term solution based on the principles and elements such as it seeks the full implementation of the Taif Accords and Resolutions 1559 and 1680, which call for the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon, ensuring that only the Lebanese State holds authority and weapons.
Additionally, the resolution stipulates that no foreign forces shall enter Lebanon without the government’s consent, and all arms sales and supplies must be authorized by the Lebanese government.
Further, it talks about no sales or supply of weapons and related material to Lebanon except as authorised by its government.
To prevent hostilities, both parties must respect the Blue Line, with the area between the Blue Line and the Litani River designated as a zone free from armed personnel, assets, and weapons, except for those of the Lebanese authorities and UNIFIL. This provision aims to establish a secure environment, preventing the resurgence of conflict.
What is Blue Line?
Stretching a 120km boundary between Lebanon and Israel, is crucial for maintaining regional peace. Established by the United Nations in 2000, it’s not a border, but a “line of withdrawal” confirming Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
As part of UN Resolution 1701, adopted after the 2006 war, this demarcation line is temporarily overseen by UNIFIL peacekeepers.
Based on different historic al maps, some dating back to a century approximately, the Blue is not a border, but a temporary “line of withdrawal” set by the UN in 2000.
Current Situation
Since the offensive has started, between 8th October 2023 and 30th June 2024, UNIFIL detected 15,101 trajectories, of which 12,459 were from south to north of the Blue Line and 2,642 from north to south.
Although the majority of gunfire exchanges have occurred within a few kilometers of the Blue Line, some have extended as far as 30 km into Israel and 130 km into Lebanon.