Beirut, March 15 (QNA) - Spokesman for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Dany Ghafary, called on all parties to de-escalate and return to a cessation of hostilities in southern Lebanon.

In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Ghafary said that 7,500 UNIFIL troops representing 48 countries are carrying out their duties south of the Litani River (southern Lebanon) in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, noting the continuation of military escalation and exchanges of fire across the Blue Line since March 2.

The UNIFIL spokesman explained that there have been more than 800 deaths and more than 1,900 injuries in Lebanon since the start of the latest Israeli escalation that began on March 2, pointing to the displacement of more than 800,000 people, in addition to around 120,000 people staying in shelters.

He affirmed that UNIFIL forces are carrying out tasks to monitor and record violations and submit reports to the Security Council, in addition to facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance and protecting civilian populations.

Ghafary condemned attacks targeting UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon, adding that a shooting incident targeting the UN peacekeeping forces occurred during the recent escalation, and calling on all parties to fulfill their obligations to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers at all times.

The UNIFIL spokesman concluded his remarks to QNA by saying that, according to the Security Council decision, UNIFIL's mandate has been renewed for a final time, with its mission ending on Dec. 31, 2026, and withdrawal beginning during 2027, stressing the force's commitment to the Security Council resolution to carry out its duties until the end of its mandate. (QNA)