UN Calls for Timely Israeli Withdrawal from South Lebanon

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has called for the swift withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, citing violations of the November 27 ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group. The ceasefire, which was brokered by the United States, mandates a phased Israeli military pullout after more than a year of conflict. The truce aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.

According to the ceasefire terms, Hezbollah fighters are required to vacate positions south of the Litani River, roughly 20 miles (30 km) north of the Israeli border, and move further north. In exchange, Israel is expected to withdraw its forces from the region. However, UNIFIL has voiced concerns about ongoing Israeli military operations in the area, including damage to residential areas, farmland, and infrastructure in southern Lebanon, which it deems a violation of Resolution 1701.

In its statement, UNIFIL reiterated the need for Israeli forces to complete their withdrawal and for the Lebanese Armed Forces to take control of the region in place of Hezbollah. The statement emphasized that the full implementation of Resolution 1701 is essential for achieving long-term peace in the region.

The Israeli military has stated that it is investigating UNIFIL’s criticisms but has refrained from offering further comments at this stage. While the ceasefire allows Israeli forces up to 60 days to fully withdraw, it also prohibits both sides from launching offensive operations during this period.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's military has raised concerns over what it describes as a deepened Israeli incursion into southern Lebanese areas. UNIFIL has offered to monitor the situation to ensure that the region remains free of armed personnel and weapons, except those of Lebanon’s government forces and UNIFIL peacekeepers.

The November ceasefire brought an end to the deadliest confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah since their 2006 war, though Israel continues its military actions in Gaza against Palestinian militants.