UNIFIL chief warns danger of Israel-Hezbollah escalation is 'real'

UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro warned Wednesday that "Ramadan should be a time of peace and reflection, but the current situation along the Blue Line has deeply affected these notions."

"For the end of Ramadan on the occasion of Eid El Fitr, UNIFIL calls for a return to the cessation of hostilities; and a move towards a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution to the conflict," Lázaro said in a statement marking Eid El Fitr.

"Since October, UNIFIL has continued to call on the parties to respect their commitments under resolution 1701 and has maintained its operational activities aimed at lowering tensions and preventing escalation. The mission has also provided medical, dental, and veterinary care in villages across south Lebanon; supplied solar energy systems to villages, civil defense, and schools; donated needed equipment to schools, hospitals, and first responders; and given infant formula and flour to people in need, among many other projects," Lázaro revealed.

He said that UNIFIL has also liaised with the parties to ensure the safety of workers repairing critical civilian infrastructure damaged in the exchanges of fire, or to facilitate the provision of humanitarian assistance.

"We will continue to be here for the people – and to stand for peace – as long as it takes," Lázaro vowed.

Warning that "the danger of escalation is real," the UNIFIL commander stressed that "there is no military solution to the current confrontation and violence" and that "a political and diplomatic solution is the only way forward."

"Regardless of faith or background, we urge all parties to embrace the spirit of unity and compassion that Eid represents, and seek the path of peace," Lázaro urged.