UNIFIL finds 225 weapon caches in south Lebanon
Members of the United Nations peacekeepers (UNIFIL) look at the Lebanese-Israeli border, as they stand on the roof of a watch tower in the town of Marwahin, in southern Lebanon, October 12, 2023. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani/File Photo
On May 12, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon reported that over 225 weapons stockpiles had been discovered in south Lebanon since the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. These findings were handed over to the Lebanese army, as reported by The New Arab.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem called on both the Lebanese government and the international community to take stronger action in ensuring that Israel adheres to the truce agreed upon in November.
The ceasefire had effectively brought an end to more than a year of conflict, including two months of intense fighting between Israel and the Iran-aligned group.
According to the terms of the agreement, Hezbollah was expected to relocate its fighters to the north of Lebanon’s Litani River, while Israeli forces were to withdraw completely from southern Lebanon. However, Israel has maintained a military presence in five locations it considers to be of “strategic” importance.
As Israeli troops gradually pulled back, the Lebanese army began deploying in the vacated areas and has been actively dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure.
Since the ceasefire took effect on November 27, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that it has uncovered more than 225 hidden weapons caches, all of which have been handed over to the Lebanese military.
UNIFIL is also part of the ceasefire monitoring committee, which includes representatives from France and the United States as well as officials from both the Israeli and Lebanese governments.
According to the peacekeeping force, with UNIFIL’s assistance, the Lebanese army has re-established its presence at over 120 permanent posts located south of the Litani River.
The Israeli military continues to conduct frequent operations in Lebanon, claiming its targets are Hezbollah members and related infrastructure.
The truce was founded on a United Nations Security Council resolution, which stipulates that only Lebanese government forces and UN peacekeepers are permitted to operate in southern Lebanon. It also includes a provision for the disarmament of all armed groups that are not state-affiliated.
On May 12, Hezbollah’s leader stated that both the group and the Lebanese government had honored their obligations under the ceasefire, with the army now stationed in southern Lebanon. However, he criticised Israel for failing to withdraw and continuing its military operations.
Last month, President Joseph Aoun announced that the Lebanese army was present across more than 85 percent of the southern region. He noted that the only barrier to achieving full control along the border was Israel’s continued occupation of five positions near the frontier.
The New Arab/ Al Jazeera/ Maghrebi.org
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