Guterres affirmed that “weapons must be in the hands of the Lebanese state alone, and that it exercise its full sovereignty over its territory,” explaining that “UNIFIL forces will continue to support efforts to deploy the Lebanese army south of the Litani River to ensure that the area is free of any illegal weapons.”
He also warned that “Israeli forces firing near UNIFIL positions or attacking peacekeepers is completely unacceptable,” appealing for respect for the mission of the international force and ensuring the safety of its personnel.
In parallel with the UN moves, Anne-Claire Legendre, advisor to French President Emmanuel Macron, is arriving in Beirut, where she is expected to meet with the three presidents tomorrow, Thursday, to discuss means of de-escalation in the south and urge Israel to “stop the attacks.”
French media sources reported that Paris is working to stabilize Lebanon and urge Israel to reduce tensions.
