UNIFIL’s Tenenti: Aggression Against Peacekeepers 'Unacceptable'

Restricting UNIFIL Movement Violates Resolution 1701 

UNIFIL spokesperson, Andrea Tenenti, on Friday stated that, “This morning, a UNIFIL patrol conducting a routine operational activity between the villages of Jmayjmeh and Khirbat Silim was confronted by a large group of individuals in civilian clothing. The individuals attempted to stop the patrol using aggressive means, wielding metal sticks and axes, resulting in damage to the vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. In response, UNIFIL peacekeepers used non-lethal force to ensure the safety of both the peacekeepers and those present.”

 “The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) were informed and promptly arrived at the scene, subsequently escorting the patrol back to base,” he added. 

 “The patrol was pre-planned and coordinated with the LAF.”

 “UNIFIL reminds all actors that its mandate provides for its freedom of movement within its area of operations in south Lebanon, and any restriction on this is a violation of resolution 1701, which authorizes UNIFIL operate independently — with or without the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). While we always coordinate our operational activities with the LAF, our ability to conduct these activities independently does not depend on their presence,” stressed Tenenti. 

 The UNIFIL Spokesperson further added that, “It is unacceptable that UNIFIL peacekeepers conducting Security Council-mandated tasks are routinely targeted. UNIFIL calls on Lebanese authorities to ensure that UNIFIL peacekeepers can carry out their mandated tasks without threats or obstruction.”

 “UNIFIL also reiterates that the freedom of movement of its peacekeepers is essential to accomplishing our mandate, which requires us to be able to act independently and impartially.”

“Once again, UNIFIL reminds all actors to avoid actions putting UN peacekeepers in danger. They must respect the inviolability of UN personnel and premises at all times,” stressed Tenenti.