China calls for UNIFILs return to Lebanon amid escalating conflict

UN Ambassador Calls for Re-examination of UNIFIL Mandate Amid Ongoing Conflict in Lebanon

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has faced a significant increase in casualties, with at least six peacekeepers killed and many others injured since Israel launched its attack on March 2. China’s ambassador to the United Nations, Fu Cong, expressed deep concern over the situation in Lebanon during a press conference at the UN headquarters in New York.

Fu stated that Beijing is awaiting a report from the UN secretariat, expected in June, before taking a position on the matter. He also emphasized that a genuine ceasefire does not exist in Lebanon, describing the current state of conflict as “a lesser fire.” Fu called for re-examination of the UN Security Council’s decision to terminate the mandate of the UNIFIL mission, which is set to end later this year.

According to Lebanese authorities, Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2 have resulted in the deaths of 2,618 people and forced over one million to flee their homes. The UNIFIL mission was created to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops after the 1978 invasion and has been responsible for maintaining a demilitarized buffer between opposing sides.

The UN Security Council unanimously resolved last year to begin withdrawing the UNIFIL mission’s peacekeepers by December 2026. However, Israel continues to carry out air raids despite a ceasefire, prompting calls from international leaders for an immediate halt to hostilities. The UN Secretary-General has condemned these incidents, noting that the “blue helmets” have come under fire while performing essential duties.

China assumes the council’s rotating presidency for May and will review the situation in Lebanon before taking a position on the matter.

Source: Al Jazeera