Aoun, according to a statement issued by the Lebanese Presidency today, Tuesday, emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between UNIFIL forces and the residents of southern villages and towns as the international forces’ mandate is approaching its end this month. The UN Security Council has discussed a French draft resolution to extend the mandate of the international forces in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL, for another year, allowing their operations in the region to continue until August 31, 2026. The agency noted that a vote on the project is scheduled for August 25 before the current mandate of the international forces expires. There has been no comment from any nation possessing veto power on the draft resolution, which must be voted on before the current mandate ends at the end of this month.
The UNIFIL is one of the oldest UN peacekeeping missions in the world, established in March 1978 under Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426, following the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon. The resolution tasked the force with confirming the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restoring international peace and security, and assisting the Lebanese government in extending its authority over the south.
Following the July 2006 war, its missions were expanded under Resolution 1701 to include monitoring the cessation of hostilities, observing the Blue Line, and supporting the Lebanese army south of the Litani River. The force comprises around ten thousand soldiers from more than 40 countries, along with hundreds of civilians, and is headquartered in Naqoura, operating in coordination with the Lebanese army within a clear mandate set by the Security Council.
