UNIFIL coordinates with Lebanon to prevent threats to security of south

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) operating in southern Lebanon announced that it was coordinating with the Lebanese army to strengthen security controls in its area of operations and intensify patrols to prevent any incidents that may threaten the safety of local residents and the security of southern Lebanon.

UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenente said in a statement on Tuesday: “On Monday, 17 May at around 11:30 pm, UNIFIL detected rockets fired from the area of Rashaya El-Fokhar north of Kfar Shouba in south Lebanon. We were informed of the incident immediately by the parties, and the Israeli military retaliated by firing artillery at the origin of the missiles.”

“Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNIFIL Major General Stefano Del Col immediately contacted his counterparts in the Lebanese Armed Forces Command and the Israeli army and urged the parties to exercise maximum restraint in order to prevent any escalation of the situation. The Israeli army has stopped firing,” Tenente added.

He continued: “In coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces, the UNIFIL is ensuring security in the area and has intensified patrols to prevent any further incidents that endanger the safety of the local population and the security of southern Lebanon. UNIFIL is supporting the Lebanese army in its search operation in the area.”

The UN official asserted that “UNIFIL Head of Mission remains in contact with the parties to ensure stability in the area and decrease existing tension,” stressing that the situation in the area is calm now.

Lebanese protesters have been gathering close to the border fence with Israel, waving flags, including the Palestinian flag and that of Hezbollah.

They have come out in support of Palestinians in Gaza who have come under the worst Israeli bombing campaign since the 2014 war. More than 220 have been killed, including over 60 children, while over 70,000 have been displaced and forced to move into UN schools for refuge. Twelve Israelis have also been killed since 10 May.

READ: Israel injures 5 Lebanese along Lebanon-Israel border