New York, United States - October 14, 2024

The United Nations Security Council on Monday voiced strong concern as Israel has fired on and wounded UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon during its intensified fighting with Hezbollah, reiterating its firm support for the peace-keepers' role in supporting security in the region.

In a statement after the closed-door consultations, the 15 members of the Security Council urged all parties to respect the safety and security of the personnel and premises of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon ( UNIFIL).

Baeriswyl emphasized the need for diplomatic endeavors that would bring a durable end to the conflict and allow civilians on both sides of the Blue Line to return safely to their homes.

The UNIFIL, which has around 10,000 members, is deployed in southern Lebanon as a buffer with Israel.

The UNIFIL was originally created by the United Nations Security Council in March 1978 to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security and assist the Lebanese government in restoring its effective authority in the area. The mandate had to be adjusted twice, due to the developments in 1982 and 2000.

Following the July/August 2006 crisis, the Security Council enhanced the UNIFIL and decided that in addition to the original mandate, it would, among other things, monitor the cessation of hostilities, accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout the south of Lebanon, and extend its assistance to help ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons.

The Blue Line, stretching for 120km along Lebanon's southern frontier, is set by the United Nations in 2000, which separates the Lebanese and Israeli armed forces.

Shotlist:
UN Headquarters, New York City - Oct 14, 2024:
1. Pascale Baeriswyl, president of Security Council for October and permanent representative of Switzerland to United Nations, walking to podium;
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Pascale Baeriswyl, president, Security Council for October; permanent representative of Switzerland to United Nations:
"Against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities along the Blue Line, the members of the Security Council expressed their strong concerns after several UNIFIL positions came under fire in the past days. Several peacekeepers have been wounded. They urged all parties to respect the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and UN premises. They recalled that UN peacekeepers and UN premises must never be the target of an attack.";
FILE: Lebanon - Sept 19, 2024
3. Various of bombs exploding on hill near Chinese peacekeeping troops' barracks;
FILE: Lebanon - Date Unknown
4. Various of UN peacekeeping vehicles moving on road;
UN Headquarters, New York City - Oct 14, 2024
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Pascale Baeriswyl, president, Security Council for October; permanent representative of Switzerland to United Nations:
"They reiterated their support to UNIFIL, underscoring its role in supporting regional stability. They expressed as well their deepest concern for civilian casualties and sufferings, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the rising number of internally displaced people. They called on all parties to abide by international humanitarian law. They called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and recognized the need for further practical measures to achieve that outcome.";
Beirut, Lebanon - Oct 11, 2024
6. Various of ruins of buildings, rescuers;
Masnaa, Lebanon - Recent
7. Refugees walking to Lebanon-Syria border gate;
8. Various of refugees crossing craters.

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