Movements further north in Sector East have been reported, while the Lebanese Armed Forces conducted a redeployment in Shama, Sector West this week.
Both Israel and Lebanon have reaffirmed their commitment to fully implementing Security Council resolution 1701, as stated by UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq during the daily media briefing from New York on Friday.
Resolving outstanding issues
Security Council resolution 1701, adopted after the 2006 war in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah militants, remains focused on ending conflict between the parties.
Hostilities resumed in October 2023 with the start of the Gaza war, lasting over a year. A ceasefire agreement was signed by the Governments of Israel and Lebanon on 27 November 2024, requiring Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah to cease its armed presence within 60 days.
“To address outstanding issues, we urge both parties to utilize the newly established Mechanism as agreed upon,” said Mr. Haq.
UN support ready
UNIFIL continues to call for the timely withdrawal of the IDF and deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in southern Lebanon, as well as the full implementation of resolution 1701 to pave the way for peace, he added.
The Mission is prepared to support both countries in meeting their obligations and monitoring progress.
Efforts include ensuring the area south of the Litani River is free of any armed personnel or assets other than those of the Lebanese Government and UNIFIL, and respecting the Blue Line of separation.
Peacekeepers will continue their mandated tasks, monitoring and reporting all violations of resolution 1701 to the Security Council.
Aid for returnees
Humanitarian organizations are still providing crucial support to displaced or returning individuals in Lebanon following the cessation of hostilities.
IOM estimates nearly 124,000 people are displaced, with over 4,000 in shelters. Updating on movements with Syria, UNHCR reports 90,000 arrivals in Hermel, including 20,000 Lebanese nationals, with 39,000 in need of urgent assistance in collective sites.
Prepositioned food stocks
WFP reached 750,000 displaced persons in Lebanon last year, providing meals, supplies, and cash assistance in shelters and communities across the nation.
“WFP is prepositioning food supplies closer to hard-to-reach areas, such as leasing a warehouse in the Bekaa for winter access,” said Mr. Haq. WFP has facilitated 17 inter-agency convoys delivering aid to conflict-affected families since September 23.
