Beirut, April 08 (QNA) - Spokesman for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Dany Ghafary, affirmed that UNIFIL is continuing their mission despite the military escalation between Lebanon and Israel, and attacks on peacekeeping troops in southern Lebanon.

In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Ghafary stated that the peacekeepers remain deployed in all their positions within the area of ​​operations in southern Lebanon amid the escalating security challenges.

He noted that the number of troops currently operating in southern Lebanon is approximately 7,500, from 47 countries, all working within the framework of the peacekeeping mission.

He pointed out that UNIFIL’s area of operations is witnessing a serious escalation, including heavy shelling and exchanges of fire along the Blue Line between the Lebanese and Israeli sides, as well as Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese territory, rocket launches from the Lebanese side toward Israel, and Israeli incursions into Lebanese territory.

He explained that UNIFIL has been subjected to repeated attacks over the past month. Ghafary explained that UNIFIL troops continue to carry out their duties in spite of these difficult circumstances, noting that some mission sites have been targeted or shells have landed near them, with clashes occurring in the vicinity of some sites on several occasions.

He revealed that more than 25 direct attacks against the forces have been recorded, resulting in the deaths of three troop members and wounds to more than 15, since the escalation began on March 2.

Regarding the deaths that occurred in two separate incidents in southern Lebanon at the end of March, he confirmed that UNIFIL is conducting investigations into the circumstances of the tragic incidents. He indicated that the Security Council will be informed of the results of these investigations once completed. It is not yet possible to determine who is responsible for the incidents, he added.

The UNIFIL spokesman stressed that UNIFIL continuously urges all actors on the ground to uphold the safety and security of UN personnel and respect the inviolability of its premises at all times. He explained that the mission has adapted to the evolving security situation, reducing the number of field patrols to areas surrounding its bases, while continuing to monitor developments and submit regular reports to the UN Security Council.

He affirmed that the international forces continue, as much as possible, to support civilians who remain in the area of operations by facilitating access to humanitarian and medical aid, in coordination with the Red Cross and other humanitarian and relief organizations.

Ghafary emphasized that UNIFIL maintains open channels of communication with both the Lebanese and Israeli sides to de-escalate tensions and return to a cessation of hostilities, noting daily coordination and additional contacts by the Head of Mission with various parties to achieve this objective.

He also stressed the urgent need to refrain from targeting peacekeeping troops, emphasizing that these forces are in Lebanon under a mandate from the UN Security Council and that under no circumstances should they be attacked or their lives endangered. (QNA)