The United Nations peacekeepers have temporarily ceased patrols and operations along parts of the ‘Blue Line’ in southern Lebanon following an incident involving the Israeli military. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported the use of a non-toxic chemical substance near the border, prompting the UN to adopt precautionary measures.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric indicated that the incident occurred on Sunday morning, leading to the suspension of more than a dozen UN peacekeeping activities for over nine hours. The IDF instructed peacekeepers to keep their distance from the area of concern, while UN personnel assisted the Lebanese army in collecting samples for toxicology testing, with results expected soon.
The Blue Line is a 120-kilometer boundary that signifies Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The UN has raised persistent concerns regarding Israeli flight activities across this line, citing breaches of Security Council resolution 1701, which was implemented to end the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and to outline the mandate for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
With tensions in the region escalating, the most recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah was signed in November 2024, amidst increased violence along the Blue Line during the recent Gaza conflict. Dujarric urged all involved parties to strictly adhere to their responsibilities under the resolution to avoid jeopardizing the safety of peacekeepers and civilians.
The UNIFIL mission highlighted the potential risks the unidentified chemical substance poses to civilians and agricultural lands, raising further concerns about the long-term implications for residents hoping to return to their homes and livelihoods near the Blue Line. The mission has called on the IDF to refrain from such operations and collaborate with peacekeepers to foster stability in the region.
In addition, Fiji continues its vital contribution to UN peacekeeping efforts in both Sinai and Lebanon, thereby reinforcing the importance of multilateral cooperation in promoting peace and security in this sensitive area. These developments emphasize the pressing need for communication and collaboration between all parties involved to achieve lasting peace and stability in the volatile region.