UN calls for immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon
Last Updated on January 20, 2025 5:48 am
The ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel is “fragile” and “risky,” UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix has called for the Israeli military to withdraw from Lebanon quickly.
In a speech to the UN Security Council on Saturday, Lacroix said, “A ceasefire agreement has been reached to end the conflict between Lebanon and Israel. However, it is still fragile and risky. Because the conflict is still ongoing.”
UN accusations against Israel
He said that the Lebanese government has pledged to uphold the ceasefire agreement. However, the presence of Israeli troops there is a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Lacroix said that the deployment of Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) members there is contingent on Israel’s withdrawal.
He also said that Israeli forces are illegally destroying tunnels, demolishing structures and destroying agricultural land. Even Israel’s continuous attacks on Lebanese airspace and violations of the ceasefire agreement continue.
This top UN official warned, “According to the declaration, Israeli forces should immediately leave Lebanese territory before the end of this 60-day period.”
Lacroix also mentioned that at this time, UN UNIFIL personnel are still being forced to take refuge in bunkers.
He said that explosives, roadblocks by Israeli soldiers and interference in local affairs in the area of operation are hindering their activities.
Situation in the Golan Heights and Syria
Meanwhile, Patrick Gauchat, head of the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), said that the Israeli army is carrying out construction work and installing telecommunications equipment in the neutral zone of the Golan Heights and on the Lebanese border. In addition, Israel has increased its airstrikes, violating Syrian sovereignty.
Gauchat said, “Such Israeli actions are a clear violation of the 1974 UN disengagement agreement.”
Consequences and global reaction
Despite strong condemnation from the UN and Arab countries, Israeli forces have claimed their presence in Syria and Lebanon is temporary, but have indicated that they will continue to exert influence for the future.
The UN has strongly demanded that peacekeepers be able to continue their assigned work without hindrance.
Source: Anadolu