The official spokesperson for UNIFIL, Andrea Tenenti, announced on Saturday the deployment of UN peacekeeping soldiers along the Blue Line and in their area of operations, adding that "UNIFIL continues to monitor the situation and works to maintain stability and prevent misunderstandings." In an interview with the National News Agency, he noted that the peacekeeping mission is closely monitoring the dramatic events occurring in Israel, with peacekeepers present along the Blue Line to maintain stability and help avoid escalation.
Tenenti said, "We have also reinforced our presence throughout our area of operations to adapt to developments, including counter-rocket fire operations." He continued, "Our leadership has been in constant contact with the parties since the beginning of the events to ensure effective coordination and avoid misunderstandings. Our primary goal is to maintain stability along the Blue Line and prevent any escalation that could have severe consequences for the populations living in the area."
In a related context, the Lebanese army has closed the military road adjacent to the Blue Line at the Hammams area, amid the deployment of Israeli forces along the border. Media reports indicated that, for some time now, in the Hula Valley area opposite the Metula settlement, several young men on motorcycles raising "Hezbollah" flags approached the technical fence, during which the Israeli army fired extensively into the air without any casualties reported.
Motorcycles have been seen cruising through southern Lebanese border areas in celebration of "Al-Aqsa Flood" in the Gaza Strip, amidst heightened alert from the Israeli army on the opposite side.
This morning, armed Palestinian factions launched approximately 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, with Al-Qassam Brigades announcing the start of "Al-Aqsa Flood," joined by the Islamic Jihad Movement, calling on Lebanon and Arab countries for support.
