UN Peacekeepers Monitor Southern Lebanon
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has reported that it has not observed any indications of the pro-Iranian group Hezbollah acquiring new weapons since the cessation of hostilities with Israel took effect.
"Since the ceasefire agreement came into effect last year, we have not seen south of the Litani river evidence of new weapons entering, of new non-state military infrastructure being built, or of military movements by non-state actors," UNIFIL spokeswoman Kandice Ardiel stated on Friday.
She emphasized that UN personnel conduct daily ground patrols to oversee the area.
Ongoing Discoveries and Stability Efforts
"Before and during the open fighting, they observed and reported activities by non-state actors, including Hezbollah, in the area of operations in southern Lebanon," Ardiel noted.
She described the southern region as delicate but added that peacekeepers are working to maintain the stability restored after last year's conflict.
"Peacekeepers are patrolling and reporting their observations every day, and at this point we have discovered almost 400 weapons caches and infrastructure sites that we have referred to the Lebanese Army for disposal, while the army themselves are making similar discoveries," Ardiel explained.
"It’s not possible for me to give you a specific percentage, but what I can say is that we continue to discover abandoned weapons caches and infrastructure sites," she added.
Ceasefire Context and Accusations
A formal ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel has been active since late November of the previous year.
This agreement involves the militia's disarmament and its pullback north of the Litani river, as mandated by UN Resolution 1701.
Despite this, Israel alleges that Hezbollah is regrouping and rearming in southern Lebanon, leading to regular Israeli military strikes in the zone.
Since the ceasefire began, over 300 fatalities have occurred, including more than 120 civilians, according to UN figures.
Hezbollah is viewed as having been considerably diminished following the recent conflict with Israel.
