UNIFIL Renews Call for Dialogue, Diplomacy to Stop Escalation between Lebanon, Israeli Entity

Beirut, The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) renewed its call for dialogue and diplomacy to stop the escalation in violence between Lebanon and the Israeli entity. UNIFIL said in a statement that with the escalation of violence across the Blue Line, they renew their commitment to dialogue and diplomacy and remain ready to support efforts toward a sustainable solution. Two days ago, the official UNIFIL Spokesperson Andrea Tenenti announced that three Observer Group Lebanon (OGL) from the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) military observers and one Lebanese language assistant on a foot patrol along the Blue Line were injured when an explosion occurred near their location. The UNIFIL was created by the UN Security Council (UNSC) in 1978 to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security and assist the Lebanese Government in restoring its effective authority in the area. The mandate had to be adjusted twice, due to the developments in 1982 a nd 2000. In 2006, the UNSC enhanced the Force and decided that the mandate would among other things, monitor the cessation of hostilities in addition to accompanying and supporting the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout the south of Lebanon. Source: Qatar News Agency