The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said Tuesday that peace in southern Lebanon remains “elusive,” stressing that permanently ending the conflict requires political will from the parties.
The remarks came in a statement marking the International Day of Peace, observed annually on Sept. 21, which UNIFIL commemorated Monday evening with a ceremony at its headquarters in the southern Lebanese town of Naqoura.
“Today, peace in south Lebanon remains elusive, but the hope for peace endures,” UNIFIL said, stressing that lasting peace requires “political commitments and solutions from the parties themselves.”
“Peacekeepers can help restore stability, avoid misunderstandings, and reduce the risk of escalation — but they cannot replace the political will and decisions needed to end the conflict permanently,” it said.
On International Day of Peace, UNIFIL reaffirms the shared aspiration for peace, despite ongoing conflict.
— UNIFIL (@UNIFIL_) September 22, 2026
Peacekeepers marked the day with a small ceremony at UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura yesterday evening.
Read the full PESS RELEASE: https://t.co/qWJOhD184h pic.twitter.com/MI4g9vUmNP
“Peace is not something we address once a year; it is an enduring responsibility,” UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Diodato Abagnara said.
“We patrol, we keep channels of communication open with the parties to reduce the risk of misunderstanding and escalation. We work with the Lebanese Armed Forces as they assume greater responsibilities in the south,” Abagnara said.
He stressed that responsibility for reaching a political solution rests with the parties, while “UNIFIL will continue to do its part, keeping communication open, reducing the risk of escalation, and supporting diplomatic efforts.”
The full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 “remains the objective and the basis for lasting peace and stability in south Lebanon,” Abagnara added.
“Continued cooperation between the Lebanese Armed Forces and peacekeepers remains central to maintaining stability and supporting the extension of state authority in the south,” he added.
Disrupted Livelihoods
UNIFIL said the current conflict has forced thousands of people from their homes, with many remaining displaced.
“It has disrupted livelihoods, caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, and resulted in civilian deaths and injuries,” it added.
This year’s International Day of Peace is the last UNIFIL will observe before its mandate expires at the end of 2026, following a UN Security Council decision in 2025 to end the mission.
The UNIFIL statement comes as the Israeli enemy goes ahead with its attacks across southern Lebanon, in violation of the latest ceasefire announced as the Lebanese authority reached the so-called “Framework Agreement” with the Israeli enemy.
The ceasefire followed at least four months of full-scale aggression on Lebanon.
Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2 have killed at least 4,386 people, injured 12,407 others and displaced more than 1 million, according to Lebanese Health Ministry.
Source: Agencies (edited by Al-Manar)