UN Secretary-General Raises Alarm Over Tensions Along the Blue Line

UN Secretary-General Voices Concern Over Escalating Tensions Along the Blue Line

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern regarding the escalating cross-border attacks along the Blue Line, a demarcation that separates Israel from Lebanon. According to Guterres’ spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, these incidents have raised alarms about the stability and safety of both nations.

The Blue Line, established by the United Nations in 2000, is not an official border but rather an “unofficial line of withdrawal” that signifies the pullback of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. Dujarric emphasized that the ongoing hostilities pose risks not only to the populations of Lebanon and Israel but also threaten the broader regional security landscape. Guterres has called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions to safeguard civilians and maintain peace.

UNIFIL Peacekeepers Remain Vigilant

In response to the increasing volatility, over 600 peacekeepers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are actively engaged in their mission along the Blue Line. Stationed at the Spanish base Miguel de Cervantes in Marjayoun, southern Lebanon, these peacekeepers—often referred to as Blue Helmets—comprise both male and female military personnel, civilians, and police officers dedicated to maintaining peace in the region.

The Spanish contingent of Blue Helmets plays a crucial role by ensuring the delivery of essential supplies, such as water, to their forward positions along the Blue Line. Dujarric noted, “As UNIFIL continues to carry out its mandated activities in these challenging circumstances, the Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and the head of the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro, remain in constant communication with both parties to facilitate de-escalation efforts.”

Corporal Daniel Ramírez shared insights into the daily realities faced by peacekeepers amid ongoing clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. He remarked, “In the end, you get used to it. We come here for a mission, and this is what we’re doing—that’s just how it is.”

Following a recent incident earlier this month that led to injuries among three peacekeepers, UNIFIL has reiterated the importance of all parties adhering to their responsibilities to protect the safety of Blue Helmets. Dujarric acknowledged the UN’s ongoing efforts to scale up humanitarian relief initiatives, though he pointed out that these efforts are hindered by significant funding constraints, necessitating calls for additional resources.

“While our humanitarian colleagues have reported that the latest surge in hostilities has not caused a marked humanitarian crisis, the enduring conflict continues to adversely affect civilians on both sides of the Blue Line,” Dujarric stated. He urged all involved parties to respect and uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, emphasizing the critical need to protect civilians, particularly children, and civilian infrastructure at all times.