The United Nations Undersecretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix (pictured) said in a video briefing to the UN Security Council that Lebanese forces have expanded their activity in southern Lebanon, near the Israeli Border. According to Lacroix, the forces now operate in 93 locations, a sharp increase from the ten locations they occupied at the time of the November 27 ceasefire with Israel.
Additionally, Lacroix highlighted that most UN peacekeeping personnel in Lebanon remain restricted to their bases and, at times, must "seek shelter in bunkers," due to ongoing Israeli Defense Force (IDF) activity. This situation persists seven weeks after the ceasefire started.
He also noted that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) faces additional challenges, including unexploded ordnance, IDF roadblocks, and interference from residents. Despite these obstacles, Lacroix emphasized that the mission is increasing both the number and intensity of its operations.
