SEAToday.com, Washington - On Wednesday (10/30), the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) emphasized the need for conflicting parties to adhere to UN Resolution 1701 to alleviate the escalating tensions in Lebanon.

UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti shared during an online news conference from Beirut that hostilities have sharply intensified in recent weeks, leading to a more lethal and violent conflict. She noted that military actions from both Israel and Hezbollah pose risks to peacekeepers due to both indiscriminate fire and targeted attacks.

Despite the rising tensions, UNIFIL continues to engage with Lebanese and Israeli authorities, urging them to prevent further deterioration of the situation. "Our message is clear: recommit to Resolution 1701 with tangible actions, not just words," Tenenti stated.

Resolution 1701, adopted on August 11, 2006, mandates a complete cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel and the creation of a demilitarized zone between the Blue Line, the de facto border, and the Litani River. This zone is intended to limit military presence to only the Lebanese army and UNIFIL.

Tenenti confirmed that UNIFIL remains operational in southern Lebanon, monitoring the situation and reporting to the Security Council. While their patrols are hindered and activities are limited, they are still facilitating humanitarian aid to affected communities. He pointed out that many people are trapped in villages lacking basic necessities, complicating the delivery of assistance.

"We're monitoring, we're present, and we're doing our best," he said, highlighting that a significant portion of the southern Lebanese population has evacuated their homes. However, many remain in dire conditions, with ongoing shelling and widespread destruction in villages.

In response to critiques regarding UNIFIL’s effectiveness, Tenenti emphasized that the resolution must be upheld by the involved parties, with UNIFIL there to support its implementation. "We require the commitment of all parties for Resolution 1701 to take effect, as it remains the primary framework and the only viable solution," he added.

Israel has intensified its air campaign in Lebanon since September, justifying it as a measure against Hezbollah, amid an ongoing cross-border conflict that escalated following Israel's aggressive actions in the Gaza Strip. According to Lebanese health authorities, over 2,700 people have died and nearly 12,500 have been injured in Israeli attacks since October last year. The conflict expanded further when Israel launched an offensive into southern Lebanon on October 1.