UNIFIL chief urges Lebanon and Israel to pursue 'long-term solutions'

UNIFIL Head Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro says he is “concerned by the ongoing intensification of the exchanges of fire along the Blue Line that has already claimed too many lives, caused significant damage, and jeopardized livelihoods.”

“As peacekeepers, we urge those exchanging fire along the Blue Line to halt this cycle of violence,” Lázaro said in a statement distributed by UNIFIL.

“Any further escalation in Southern Lebanon could have devastating consequences,” he warned.

He accordingly called on the parties to “reaffirm their commitment to U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and the cessation of hostilities, while pursuing long-term solutions to address the underlying causes of conflict.”