UNIFIL Leader Warns of Hardships in Lebanon Site Transfers

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) commander warned of extreme difficulty handing over some mission sites to Lebanese forces, as over half currently lie within Israeli-controlled areas. In statements to Reuters, the UNIFIL chief emphasized the necessity of ensuring UN agencies and Lebanese forces assume the mission's tasks before troop withdrawal at year-end. He stressed the importance of a smooth transition to alternative entities or a new mission. Demolition operations in southern Lebanon were described as "another violation" of UN Security Council resolutions. The commander clarified that while extending UNIFIL's mandate is a "great honor," forces will cease operations at year-end if no new resolution is issued. He affirmed the UN's presence in southern Lebanon is "very necessary," its importance now growing.