Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has increased its support as families return to south Lebanon, where many villages have been severely damaged. A reduction in violence has enabled peacekeepers to expand efforts to restore essential services and facilitate humanitarian access, according to UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel.
UNIFIL's mandate, which enforces Security Council Resolution 1701 established after the 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, includes monitoring hostilities, supporting the Lebanese armed forces, and ensuring humanitarian assistance along the Blue Line border with Israel. Despite recent peace talks between Israel and the Lebanese Government, UNIFIL has recorded multiple projectiles fired, though at a reduced level of hostilities.
As families return to widespread destruction, UNIFIL has provided medical equipment and emergency supplies to Tibnin Governmental Hospital, supporting healthcare infrastructure. Peacekeepers have also enabled the movement of civilian workers, technical teams, and mobile clinics to repair water, electricity, telecommunications, and health systems across dozens of towns in south Lebanon.
Addressing the ongoing hazard of unexploded ordnance, UNIFIL has neutralized numerous unexploded devices, improvised explosives, and crashed drones since the recent escalation. The Lebanese Armed Forces, in cooperation with UNIFIL, have also neutralized several explosive hazards recently found. UNIFIL describes these remnants as a serious threat to returning communities and continues to call for caution and cooperation.